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Body Language Expert Reveals The Signs Kate Middleton is Ready To Become The Queen

Catherine, Princess of Wales meets dog Barney during a visit to Hiut Denim, a family-owned company designing and manufacturing premium jeans entirely in the UK. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Aaron Chown)
Catherine, Princess of Wales meets dog Barney during a visit to Hiut Denim, a family-owned company designing and manufacturing premium jeans entirely in the UK. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Aaron Chown)
Feb. 05 2026, Published 05:29 AM. ET
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On a busy factory floor in Wales, there was little about Kate Middleton's demeanour that hinted at her eventual destiny. Instead, what stood out was an ease that felt instinctive — a quality that continues to shape how she is increasingly viewed within the monarchy, and her upcoming role as the Queen Consort. 

Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the celebrations for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Catherine, Princess of Wales attends the celebrations for Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)

During a visit to Welsh textile manufacturers on Tuesday, February 3, the Princess of Wales appeared relaxed and upbeat as she met workers, admired traditional craftsmanship, and even shared personal details about life at home, including her family’s new puppy. While the engagement was about the cultural and economic value of British textiles, it reportedly also served as a window into Middleton’s evolving position as a future queen. 

Body language expert Darren Stanton, as reported by Marie Claire, said the trip was marked by Middleton’s “humility and grounded nature,” traits he believes are central to her public appeal. She was able to chat easily with the staff, both human and canine, to trying her hand at sewing a pair of jeans. Stanton said her non-verbal cues reflected someone increasingly comfortable in her role.

Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2025 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Photo by Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
Catherine, Princess of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on December 25, 2025 in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Image Source: Getty Images Jordan Peck)

“Despite the fact that she is destined to become Queen of England, that sense of status never seems to dominate how she carries herself,” Stanton said. “Much like Princess Diana, she comes across as deeply down-to-earth and emotionally present in the moment.” According to Stanton, that composure is consistent whether Middleton is working alone, or alongside other senior royals, including her husband. “Whether she’s appearing independently or alongside other members of the royal family, she is completely at ease,” he explained. “That ease speaks volumes about her growing self-assurance and her evolution into a more vital, central figure within the monarchy.”

The visit took the Princess to Hiut Denim and Melin Tregwynt, a traditional Welsh woollen mill, where she spent time speaking with employees and well-wishers gathered outside. During one exchange, a member of the public referenced Kate’s recent cancer journey, telling her, “I hope you’re getting better really soon after what happened to you.”

Princess Kate attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Princess Kate attends the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. (Image Source: Getty Images | Samir Hussein/WireImage)

The statement appeared to move the princess. “Thank you. Aw, thank you very much,” she replied. “This is good for my soul, meeting wonderful people.” Stanton said moments like these help explain Kate’s enduring popularity. “People instinctively trust her because she builds rapport quickly and naturally,” he said. “There’s no sense of performance or obligation — she genuinely wants to be there.” Her calm confidence shows she is already preparing for the responsibilities ahead — and that influence is being felt behind palace doors too. Not everyone, however, is comfortable with that shift.

A source earlier had said her push for a clearer purpose in royal work has created some quiet tension. “William is very focused on accountability, and Kate is very much of the same mind,” the source explained to HEAT.  “She believes every senior royal ought to show exactly what they are doing, why it matters, and how it helps the public.” That thinking has changed how engagements are chosen. “She wants to streamline their workload to what could really help. If an engagement does not support real charitable impact, it gets cut.” The source claimed this mindset has caused friction with members of the old guard, particularly Queen Camilla. “The old guard is not happy about this, especially Queen Camilla, who does not appreciate being told what standard she has to meet,” the insider said. Still, they suggested Kate is unlikely to soften her stance. “Kate is stronger than people think, and she is not stepping back.”

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