Kate Middleton has made her royal return just in time for Trooping the Colour – but the rest of the Firm are being 'careful' with her, an expert has claimed.
The Princess of Wales took a step back from royal duties after she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year. The 42-year-old was snapped in public today (Saturday, June 15) for the first time since she announced the news as she celebrated King Charles' official birthday.
But body language expert Inbaal Honigman noticed Prince William and the couple's children – who travelled to the event in the same car as Kate – kept some physical distance between them and her. Speaking to the Daily Star for Slingo, she said: "The rest of the family appear to be giving her space.
READ MORE: 'Nervous' Kate Middleton shows 'caution' in return but there are signs of 'genuine' feeling
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"It can be natural for most families to squeeze together at the back of a car, but there appears to be a noticeable little gap between Catherine's shoulder and the person right next to her. This no-squeeze way of sitting is an indication that the family are being careful with her."
It was previously thought Kate might not attend the event this year, having announced her cancer diagnosis in March. However the she has since revealed she is making “good progress” as she continues to receive treatment.
She said ahead of today's official celebrations: "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.
"I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting.
"But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well. My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months."
Royal fans also noticed Kate was wearing a very sentimental item. Her dress was adorned with an a brooch that left some royal fans intrigued. The piece is an Irish Guards Regimental Brooch, a nod to her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards.
Kate holds several military titles, including Honorary Canadian Ranger, Honorary Air Commandant in the Royal Air Force Cadets, Commodore-in-Chief in the Fleet Air Arm and Colonel-in-Chief in the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards.
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