Princess of Wales Was 'Confident and Regal' as She Calmed Guests with 'Techniques' & 'Rituals', Claims Expert
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After more than twenty years, Kate becomes the first person to gain the title of Princess of Wales.
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Royal experts claim this title carries "a huge emotional weight".
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Despite the task ahead, Kate appears settled and has charmed the world with her confidence and elegance while receiving guests at her first-ever reception.
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Many, including royal experts and family, seem confident in the new Princess of Wales.
More than a week ago, the Queen passed on peacefully, leaving the throne to her eldest son, now the reigning monarch.
King Charles III was officially installed as the new King three days later in a ceremony held in St James's Palace in London. He was crowned the King by a ceremonial group called the Accession Council.
Kate Middleton at the Wimbledon Men's Final in London, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The Council includes former and present senior MPs, Commonwealth high commissioners, senior civil citizens, and the Lord Mayor of London. The ceremony was split into two, but the King only attended the second. There, he was sworn in and hailed as the new ruler.
King Charles's pledge of commitment to the constitutional government and to preserve other traditions like his roles in the Commonwealth and Church of Scotland followed.
King Charles III at a reception with Realm High Commissioners and their spouses in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace on September 11, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Interestingly, while he was the only ruler with a ceremony in his honor, he was not the only one with a name change. King Charles awarded the title of Prince and Princess of Wales to his eldest child, William, and wife, Kate.
Additionally, the couple took on the King and his wife's former titles as Duke and Duchess of Cornwall while retaining their previous holdings as the Cambridges.
Prince William and Kate Middleton in Stockholm Sweden on January 31 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Again, joining the King in his leadership is his wife, Camilla, former Duchess of Cornwall, who now serves as Queen Consort. A few days after the new title, the Princess of Wales visited Buckingham Palace for the magnificent ceremony for the first time.
This event was significant with prominent people, including foreign royals and global leaders. Kate, who arrived in her car, was dressed in a black mourning outfit.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Royal Charity Polo Cup 2022 at Guards Polo Club during the Outsourcing Inc. Royal Polo Cup at Guards Polo Club, Flemish Farm on July 06, 2022, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
She appeared sad as her eyes scanned the crowd surrounding the Palace. Sources confirmed that the gathering hosted by the King was also to initiate Kate's relationship with other dignitaries and well-known leaders worldwide.
This historic reception preceded the "reception of the century", where about five hundred guests, including royals and other governmental authorities, would convene in honor of the Queen.
The Princess of Wales Appears Ready for Her Role
Royal experts kept an eagle eye on Kate during her first outing to the Palace-themed reception. Reportedly, she appeared calm and bright as she meandered through the crowd.
Russell acknowledged that the former Princess of Wales was famous across continents following her principles and humanitarian services.
Camilla, Queen Consort and Catherine, Princess of Wales at a lunch held for governors-general of the Commonwealth nations at Buckingham Palace on September 17, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Judi James, a body language pro, asserted that the Princess of Wales did not display her shyness of the past which involved her clutching to a bag or anxious hair touches. Instead, she walked and talked confidently. She said:
"Back then she looked shy and inexperienced, performing anxiety hair-touches while she leaned backward slightly and held her bag up in a barrier gesture. Today we have a confident, very regal-looking woman".
Catherine, Princess of Wales with His Excellency Mr. Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, Governor of St Lucia at a lunch held for governors-general of the Commonwealth nations at Buckingham Palace on September 17, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Despite being in a room full of renowned world leaders and other senior royals, who gathered for lunch at Buckingham Palace, Kate portrayed active listening skills. She maintained prolonged eye contact, ultimately making the guests feel welcomed.
The Princess of Wales, who donned a modest black dress, a trio-lined pearl necklace paired with a uniformed bracelet, was captured in smiles as she spoke gently to the Queen Consort.
Catherine, Princess of Wales at a lunch held for governors-general of the Commonwealth nations at Buckingham Palace on September 17, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Although the body expert believed that Kate has evolved since her first time as a royal in 2011, James claimed that she still retained her shy side. According to the expert:
"There's only one small sign to suggest that shyer side is still lurking. In full-length shots we can see her legs are crossed at the ankle in a gesture that suggests a sweetly self-effacing side beneath all the queen-in-waiting confidence".
Undoubtedly, Kate was at ease alongside her guests and other royals. During her chit-chat with Camilla, she was spotted wearing an elegant smile.
Britain's King Charles III and Catherine, Princess of Wales at a lunch held for governors-general of the Commonwealth nations at Buckingham Palace on September 17, 2022 in London, England. Source: Getty Images
Reportedly, the Duchess acted conscious of the cameras, purposely pushing her hair to show her facial expression. While being attentive, the Princess of Wales was also observant, knowing when and how to gesture, showing an excellent level of poise and compassion.
The Prince and Princess of Wales Share a Huge Responsibility
Inevitably, the Queen's death opened a new reality for the senior members of the royal family—one that they had already adjusted to and planned, despite its newness.
King Charles III speaks at his proclamation as King during the accession council on September 10, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
Being named the Prince and Princess of Wales by the King was not shocking, as it was expected that William, his first son, would have the holding.
Yet, royal experts revealed that it comes with many responsibilities, something the couple might not have experienced. The last person to hold the title was the King, formerly Prince Charles.
Queen Elizabeth II named her then 9-year-old son the Prince of Wales, but it was not until he turned 20 in 1969 that he was adequately inaugurated into the role.
Queen Elizabeth II at the Chichester Theatre while visiting West Sussex on November 30, 2017 in Chichester, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
For more than fifty years, the King held this position. However, throughout these years, only one woman had the Princess of Wales title. This happened when the King married Diana Spencer in 1981. Diana, also called the people's princess, died in 1997, and since then, no other woman has held the title.
Although Charles's marriage to Camilla should have afforded her the rights, due to the previous controversies—she was tagged as a homewrecker during and after his marriage to Diana — she opted for Duchess of Cornwall.
King Charleslll and Queen Consort Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at the Braemar Highland Gathering at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 3, 2022 in Braemar, Scotland. | Source: Getty Images
It has been more than two decades since Diana's tragic exit, and her daughter-in-law proudly wears her title. According to royal expert Gareth Russell, the couple is saddled with "a huge emotional weight".
Russell acknowledged that the former Princess of Wales was famous across continents following her principles and humanitarian services.
Diana, Princess of Wales sitting on a step at her home, Highgrove House, in Doughton, Gloucestershire, 18th July 1986. | Source: Getty Images
However, he believes the current title holders will honor her legacy, which makes the titles more demanding. In his words:
"The last person to hold [the Princess of Wales title] was William's mother, and now it's his wife. I think it puts a good kind of pressure [on William and Kate] because it brings a lot of the…emotional collateral charisma that Princess Diana had…with a certain emotional appeal to people".
Prince William and Kate Middleton in Sandringham, England 2022. | Source: Getty Images
A close source hinted that Kate is aware of the profound history behind the title, but she will concentrate on looking at the future as she forges her path.
So far, many, including experts and family members, believe in the duo. The King confirmed his optimism about their reign while conferring the titles on them. Also, an insider revealed that they are concerned about "deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time".