Kate Middleton and Prince William attended the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade in Aldershot on Friday, March 17th, which marks the first time the couple have done so since King Charles made his daughter-in-law the new Colonel of the Irish Guards, a title which previously belonged to her husband before he took over the Colonel of the Welsh Guards title from his father. And it seems like the Princess of Wales, 41, took to her new role like a duck to water, and according to body language expert Judi James, even gave her husband a “cold” stare when he handed things over to her, which she interpreted as a “power play signal.”
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Body Language Expert Assesses Kate Middleton’s Behavior On St Patrick’s Day
“There’s some interesting power play signals here as William hands over to his wife, describing her as ‘Colonel Catherine,'” James reportedly told The Express, before suggesting that there was then a “dramatic change” in body language. “After some signature signals of affection and fun between the couple during this outing, it’s interesting to see the dramatic change as Kate adopts a more serious look. She stands fully to attention as she fixes William with what looks like a seriously cold, hard stare.” (Check it out in picture 4 in the above carousel!)
“The look shows how seriously Kate is taking her new role. Her body language is immaculate here and military, rather than royal,” James continued. “William’s response to her stare is a very puckered-looking smile to suggest pride and perhaps a sense of respect for the woman who is taking over his role.”
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James wasn’t the only body language expert who weighed in on the mom-of-three’s behavior at the event, as body language expert Darren Stanton told Marie Claire: “It’s clear she wanted to stand out from the crowd and assert her authority over William and the other guests.”
And what she wore to the event also has some significance too, with Stanton noting: “She tends to opt for these superhero colors when she wants to be perceived in a powerful way. As this was Kate’s first appearance as Colonel of the regiment, she clearly wanted to state her position and make herself known amongst the crowds in the bold color.” This makes perfect sense to us!
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What Did Kate Middleton Do As Colonel Of The Irish Guards?
For her first St Patrick’s Day as Colonel of the Irish Guards, the Princess of Wales presented sprigs of shamrock to the officers and guardsmen, who then issued them along the ranks, a royal custom which dates back to 1901! The Prince and Princess of Wales also got to meet their mascot, an adorable Irish wolfhound named Turlough Mor (also known as Seamus!) and even presented him with his own shamrock. Aww! Additionally, they chatted with the Battalion and their families, and also took part in a traditional toast with Guinness.
Prince William, 40, wore military uniform for the event, while Kate stole the show in a gorgeous bespoke Catherine Walker coatdress with a matching Jane Taylor London hat and matching Gianvito Rossi heels, finished off with a gold Cartier shamrock brooch that is technically owned by the Irish Guards but is loaned to the royal women associated with the regiment. The pin was previously worn by both Princess Anne and the Queen Mother, but Kate has been the only one to wear it since 2011. You learn something new every day!
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Kate Middleton Gives Her First Speech As Colonel Of The Irish Guards
Both Prince William and his wife gave speeches at the event. Prince William said he was “extremely happy to be here celebrating St Patrick’s Day,” but was “incredibly sad to be giving this speech” as it meant that his time as Colonel of the Irish Guards had “come to an end.” He went on to say how being the Colonel of the Irish Guards was “one of the great honors” of his life and was so “proud of everything it stands for.”
For her first speech as Colonel of the Irish Guards, the Princess of Wales said: “I really couldn’t be prouder to stand in front of you here today. It really is a true honor to be your Colonel. I am here to listen to you, to support you, and to champion you in all you do – this is a responsibility I do not take lightly.” She added: “I look forward to spending more time with you and your families, seeing your commitment to duty and service in all you do.”
