Kate Middleton's Subtle Handbag Trick Explained by a Body Language Expert

In a moment rich with pageantry and protocol, the Princess of Wales may have offered a subtle glimpse into her inner thoughts with a small but revealing movement that attracted expert attention.

All eyes were on Windsor Castle as Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, received President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on September 17, 2025.

But it wasn't the handshake, the outfits, or even the grand setting that sparked intrigue. It was a quiet adjustment of Catherine's handbag, seen by some as a window into her feelings.

A Warm Welcome and a Moment Observed

Donald and Melania landed on the royal estate in Marine One, stepping out to greet their hosts with practiced smiles and formal handshakes.

Catherine, dressed in an elegant maroon double-breasted coat and clutching a small handbag, smiled broadly as she extended her hand to the President. After their greeting, Donald turned to speak with William, while Catherine moved to greet Melania.

According to body language specialist Bruce Durham of Huddle Culture, Catherine noticed the American presidential pair holding hands as the group of four walked to the castle.

"You see Kate notices the closeness between Donald and Melania, but then what occurs is that her brain notices this and you'll see there is a shift of her handbag in her hands," Bruce told the Daily Mirror.

A Hidden Significance

The expert explained that this gesture made Catherine "uncomfortable enough," and almost like she had to move closer to her husband.

However, Bruce noted that the years of royal protocol Catherine has followed have prevented her from making spontaneous gestures, including small ones like reaching out or moving nearer to William.

"All you get is a shift of the handbag, which indicates she wants to do it, but she regiments herself and recognises that spatial awareness," he explained. By shift, he was referring to the moment Catherine discreetly transferred her handbag from her left hand to her right.

Still, the expert acknowledged that they all looked happy, and it was great to see how different couples in public positions are expected to behave.

A Compliment at First Glance

Elsewhere, lip-reader Jeremy Freeman turned his attention to the initial exchange between Donald and the Princess of Wales, right after the presidential couple stepped off the helicopter.

According to him, Donald greeted Catherine with immediate praise, one he delivered with unmistakable directness. "You're so beautiful, so," the President allegedly said, according to Jeremy.

Shortly after the exchange, William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, led the Trumps to Victoria House, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla waited to receive them, officially opening the scheduled events of this historic state visit.

And a moment right then quickly went viral. As previously reported, a picture-perfect exchange between Camilla, Catherine, and Melania has sparked furious online speculation and lit up social media with claims of royal tension, power moves, and an awkward snub caught on camera.

Footage from the official live feed showed the American dignitaries, British monarchs, and aides exchanging warm greetings.

As the President and the King turned toward each other in conversation, the Queen began chatting casually with the First Lady. The Princess of Wales soon stepped in, joining the circle with a smile, engaging directly with Melania.

But then — blink and you'll miss it — Camilla turned her head ever so slightly toward Catherine, and with a pointed sweep of her hand, appeared to signal Catherine to step away. The Princess seemed to take the hint immediately. She wrapped up her polite exchange, said a swift goodbye, and retreated beside William.

The Internet Erupts

It wasn't long before the clip exploded online, sending royal watchers and body language experts into overdrive. One declared, "Camilla is in charge and she makes sure Kate knows it," while another viewer bluntly called it, "Rude!"

A third commenter delivered the knockout line, "She must have forgotten she was on camera!"

One angle of the encounter captured on social media showed the side eye Camilla gave to Catherine as she came over to talk to Melania Trump.

Another clip showed the moment the Queen motioned Catherine to leave. People Magazine weighed in on the viral moment, noting that while Camilla did not appear to use words, her hand gesture effectively signaled for Catherine to move away.

Body Language Expert Weighs In

Inbaal Honigman, a celebrity psychic and body language expert, who also offered a more profound observation of the moment, described the facial expressions of the women to UNILAD, saying, "Even though their facial expressions are similar across the board, with both Kate, Camilla and Melania all flashing neutral, calm smiles, their hands are very different [sic]."

Inbaal added, "Kate's hands are in front of her, in a way that could be seen as slightly protective, but her fingers are widely splayed. This shows she feels at ease in the situation."

"However, Melania's hand is noticeably tight into her fist — that shows she may feel like a fish out of water, a bit tense in that conversation [sic]," the expert concluded.

Hierarchy or Happenstance? The Debate Rages On

Though some insist the move was nothing more than a logistical nudge in a crowded lineup, others are convinced it was a carefully choreographed power play.

Whatever the truth may be, the footage has become one of the most talked-about moments from the US state visit, sending ripple effects across social media and leaving royal watchers hungry for more.