Duchess of Edinburgh sends 'powerful signal' to Prince William

Body language expert Judi James claimed this was why Sophie, 59, was chosen to stand beside the Princess of Wales during one of her most high-profile appearances since completing her cancer treatment.

The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Edinburgh stood together on the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office just before 11am.

The two royal women were positioned at the prominent viewing point as King Charles led the wreath-laying ceremony alongside the Prince of Wales and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Kate and Sophie were seen chatting and smiling gently on the balcony before the service began.

James explained that Sophie "is always the royal who brings a sense of calm and support to some of the most emotionally charged royal occasions".

The gesture appeared maternal in nature, as Sophie placed her hand on Kate's back as she stepped inside the building.

The supportive touch mirrored Prince William's actions from the previous evening at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

James noted the similarity, suggesting it registered both fondness and perhaps a small congratulatory "well done" for another milestone in Kate's return to royal duties.

The gesture carried deeper significance as a message to the wider Royal Family, according to the expert.

James suggested it served as "a small but powerful signal to William and even George and Charlotte".

The body language expert explained that the moment demonstrated how Kate remains well-supported even when William is not physically by her side.

"She is still surrounded by a Royal Family that is taking very good care of her, albeit subtly," James continued to tell The Mail.

The supportive dynamic between Kate and Sophie was evident throughout the ceremony, with the two royals maintaining a close presence.

The Princess of Wales appeared increasingly at ease in the spotlight during the ceremony, according to James.

"Kate's body language and even her styling today showed a return to what looked like full regal form," the expert observed.

Her choice of fascinator and swept-up hairstyle echoed one of her most iconic "regal" moments from Prince Philip's funeral.

As Big Ben chimed, Kate's expression became appropriately sombre.

James noted that while Kate had appeared tearful at the previous evening's concert, at the Cenotaph "her sadness registered with a fiercely regal look of stoic reflection".