Baftas proved Duchess has become the
AS she chatted to A-listers and schmoozed with stars at the Baftas, the Duchess of Cambridge showed she was the ultimate rockstar royal.
Despite weeks of turmoil following Harry and Meghan’s shock decision to swap the UK for Canada, Kate, 38, looked happier and more relaxed in her regal duties than ever.
Wearing a recycled white and gold gown by Alexander Mcqueen, the mum-of-three gossiped and giggled with Judy actress Renée Zellweger – even patting the star’s arm affectionately.
Kate also met 1917 director Sam Mendes, while husband Prince William, 37, mingled with Hollywood heavyweights including Joker star Joaquin Phoenix.
According to body language expert Judi James, Kate’s appearance at the glitzy event marks a dramatic new direction for the Duchess.
Judi says: “It has been a perfect storm for the Royal Family lately but Kate has now taken on the biggest power position in the entire Firm.
“She’s the new matriarch because while the Queen is strong, she’s getting older and needs that kind of support from someone she can trust.”
Kate has come a long way from the shy, 19-year-old student who first caught William’s eye during a university fashion show in 2002.
Since marrying in to the Royal Family in April 2011, Kate has often seemed uncomfortable in the glare of the public eye.
“In the early days, she would hide herself in William’s
Kate is clearly bodyconfident and has the model pose sussed.
But most people who are at ease on the catwalk are shy in real life, so while she looks self-assured in this 2002 university snap, it was likely the opposite.
shadow, but it was clear from her appearance at the Baftas that all of that has totally changed,” says Judi. “She’s not remotely dependent on him any more.”
However, Judi thinks that Kate’s newfound confidence has had a positive impact on Wills, too.
“Seeing them hold court with superstars, it was obvious they have shifted into real power couple mode.
“It’s ironic, as that’s the path
After being treated for severe morning sickness in 2012, Kate left hospital with her shoulders hunched up, which is classically shy body language.
Harry and Meghan were meant to take, but Kate looks incredibly at ease in this new role.”
The drama surrounding ‘Megxit’ – which saw Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, controversially renounce their official duties – appears to have been the defining moment in Kate’s rise to the top of the Windsor tree.
Judi says: “She’s been supporting William and acting as a mediator during all the recent arguments.
“By playing out these complicated roles so perfectly, she has proved herself to be the royals’ big saviour.”
Royal expert and author Ingrid Seward believes that the Queen, 93,
Kate wore a big hat to a 2005 event, which partly hid her eyes and face. Her mouth also appears clenched, showing tension, and she’s clutching that large bag again, like a teddy bear. Her arms are close to her ribs, too, like a self-hug.
At her 2005 graduation ceremony, Kate wore a short skirt and her stride looked confident. Her hair was styled over her face though, which suggests shyness. Her large bag also acted as a body barrier and a source of comfort.
In 2007, Kate was pictured chatting to Tara Palmertomkinson while holding her drink with both hands – a clear barrier. is hugely grateful to Kate for stepping up. “She’s delighted with her,” she says. “The Queen is very reliant on Kate because she’s so stable – and she’s simply untouchable in everything she does at the moment.”
Although Ingrid does not believe Kate ever felt threatened by
Meghan joining the family, she adds: “The recent fall-out between Harry and William would have been draining for her, so she’s probably feeling a huge weight off her shoulders that she doesn’t have to worry about Meghan’s influence any more.”
Kate’s priorities may also be changing now that her and William’s children – George, six, Charlotte, four, and Louis, two in April – are becoming slightly more independent.
“Charlotte and George are at school now, so she has more time on her hands,” Ingrid says.
“That means she can do more of what