Kate Middleton’s ‘lingering gesture’ to Sophie Wessex offers glimpse at bond, says expert

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Body language expert Judi James has examined footage of Kate Middleton embracing Sophie Wessex as the Cambridge and Wessex families at the Commonwealth Games - and she believes it offers a telling insight into their relationship

The royals had a mini family reunion during their day out at the Commonwealth Games.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Princess Charlotte, were seen greeting Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex and their children Lady Louise and James.

There were huge hugs and kisses all around as the Cambridge and Wessex families took their seats ready to watch the swimming action in the Aquatic Centre.

And according to body language expert Judi James, the embrace enjoyed by Kate and her husband's aunt Sophie provided clues about their relationship - and it seems the pair have a warm bond.

Judi told the Mirror: "After Diana’s death and Fergie’s banishment from the Firm, Sophie is left as the only royal wife of that generation and her body language here provides some clues that she and Edward might go out of their way to try to breach that emotional gap in the family when it comes to support and open-armed affection for William and Kate and their children.

Kate Middleton chats to Sophie Wessex at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

Image:

( WireImage)

"Her greeting here seems to define her as the best auntie, going out of her way to hug and welcome her nephew and his wife as they take their seats to watch the sport.

"As Kate leans in Sophie throws both arms around her torso, clutching Kate’s right arm in her left hand to ensure the hug lasts and patting Kate's back in an add-on ritual or extra bonding and reassurance as the two women cheek-kiss.

The Cambridges greet the Wessexes as they enter the Aquatics Centre

Image:

( Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

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"They use mutual eye contact as they part and even in this quite brief greeting these three add-on tie signs register warmth and rapport."

And it's not just Kate, who Sophie embraces warmly - William also got the same treatment, according to Judi.

She added: "William is also pulled in for a cheek kiss and a hug, with Sophie squeezing his elbow in another add-on tie sign.

Edward also gave Kate a big embrace

Image:

( Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

"At the end of the family line-up, Edward is equally effusive, smiling as he waits his turn then flinging his arms out in an 'empty embrace' gesture of welcome as he cheek-kisses Kate."

William and Kate's appearance at the Games yesterday marked a rare public outing for their daughter Charlotte, who had only ever been seen out and about before with her brothers.

Kate and Sophie at Wimbledon together in 2016

Image:

( Daily Mirror)

The seven-year-old was pictured pulling a range of expressions – and even sticking her tongue out – as she enjoyed swimming heats, a hockey match and, at the end of her day, artistic gymnastics.

Charlotte was described as "charming" by Tim Lawler, chief executive of SportsAid, who hosted the royal visit to Birmingham University, where the royals learnt about the Team England Futures initiative.

She appeared curious about her surroundings and the people around her at the university site, and a little apprehensive at times, but received a reassuring arm around her shoulder or a word in her ear from William, and held Kate’s hand at other moments.

The young princess revealed gymnastics was the sport she liked most and joined a nutritional workshop helping her parents place pictures of foods such as nuts, bread and grapes into the right groups, whether protein, carbohydrates, antioxidants or healthy fats.

At one point Charlotte was asked to update a Team England medal board and added a bronze, won in the men’s team table tennis event, and a silver from the lawn bowls men’s pairs.

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