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Prince William Was 'Overwhelmed' by Kate Middleton's ‘Flirty Signal’ at Latest Outing

The Waleses brought what Judi James described as 'new keenness and energy,' turning the annual event into their own charming 'date night.'

The Prince and Princess of Wales turned up for a night celebrating Britain’s biggest entertainers. Kate Middleton joined Prince William at the cherished Royal Variety Performance held at London's Royal Albert Hall, but it was their off-duty chemistry that stole the spotlight. This year at the event, the couple seemed to slip easily into a more relaxed rhythm, something that felt like a ‘date night’ rather than just another formal engagement. Middleton arrived in a deep green velvet gown, returning for the first time since her treatment and recovery in 2024, and William matched her mood in a black velvet suit. 

According to body language expert Judi James, the pair were enjoying each other, and not just attending another royal engagement. She noted that the couple brought "a new keenness and energy to the night, turning it into their own private date night as well as a charitable event.” James observed that Middleton, in particular, carried herself with newfound confidence, stepping ahead to greet hosts and performers, yet not letting go of William with her eyes. One of these, she said, came with “one eyebrow raised in a flirty signal,” a moment that, according to her, caught her husband off guard. His response was a gentle hand on her back. 

“Kate and William are often at their flirtiest best when they are both fully glammed up for a red-carpet appearance,” James said, adding that William’s “puckered smile” and hands held loosely in front of him hinted that he was “slightly overwhelmed by the grinning glances Kate throws at him.” Earlier, well-known royal commentator Ingrid Seward also mentioned how the couple has shunned royal protocols and has grown increasingly comfortable with public displays of affection. This change, according to Seward, is after the difficult journey the couple underwent with Middleton’s diagnosis.

Seward told PEOPLE, "William must feel so fortunate that Kate has come through this, that he wants to tell the world about that love. It shows the intimacy of them sharing that journey together." She added, "They are happy for people to see them be touchy-feely…William is very protective and very proud of her for coming through this and carrying on with her life." A source also echoed that William and Middleton are "more open" now and "talk about their relationship together." Recently, following Donald Trump’s state banquet, the couple shared a rare, intimate Instagram photo of themselves holding hands outside Windsor Castle. 

Earlier, Dame Mary Berry, who is William's friend, also shared the little ways in which he encourages his wife. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said, “There’s always a little arm around the back, encouraging her,” she stressed. “Early on, when she started doing public life, he would chip in and say something really nice and encouraging, you know? He’s obviously immensely proud of her.”