'Stoicism' Over 'Pity': Kate Middleton Determined to Appear Strong as Not to Upstage King Charles at 2024 Trooping the Colour

Catherine, Princess of Wales stood "strong" at 2024's Trooping the Colour, and was reportedly determined to "show everyone" she was not interested in their pity.

"In a tradition created by her husband’s granny, Kate’s body language here showed the world what being a royal is all about: elegant, calm and stoic with not one smallest jot of self-pity or drama," body language expert Judi James shared.

"Kate's non-verbal messages seem to signal a smiling determination to reassure the public and her own children and to get on with the job," she added. "She made it clear in her written message that this is a step towards a return, not the start of it, but even from the glimpses of her in the carriage, her upright back and her signature smile showed a desire to show resilience and poise."

One commenter on X took things a step further by stating: " She seems to be trying to emulate the late Queen Elizabeth II, and is doing a fine job of it, actually."

Some analysts also pointed out how Her Royal Highness' sometimes "strong and stern" expressions, especially when she turned toward her husband and children, were also a way of showing this "stoicism" and pride for her spouse and family.

A spokesperson for Prince William stated: "The Prince is pleased to see the Princess starting to engage with the work and projects that are important to her."

"There was a hint of discretion, or maybe a desire to not upstage, in the way Kate’s hat brim was tilted to partially hide her face in the carriage, but there were some turning to smile and some smiling conversations with her three children," James pointed out.

She continued: "Her wave to the crown involved closed rather than spread fingers, and it was a quick, subtle movement of acknowledgment, again suggesting a desire to avoid stealing the attention on the celebration of the King’s birthday."

The future queen appeared with other senior members of the royal family including her husband, William, Prince of Wales, who rode on horseback during the military parade, as well as King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who rode in a carriage. But it was her guidance of her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, that stole the show for many observers (certainly us).

After her balcony appearance and "sensational" return to fashion, many fans are now left wondering when they will see the princess return to her charitable duties on the public front. As The Royal Observer previously reported, HRH recently said in a statement: "I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times."

The Sun reported on James' comments.