Kate Middleton’s Subtle Handbag Trick Explained by a Body Language Expert
The Princess of Wales may have provided a discreet window into her innermost emotions with a little but telling gesture that caught the notice of experts during a time full of ceremony and etiquette.
When President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025, all eyes were on Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
However, curiosity wasn’t aroused by the handshake, the attire, or even the opulent location. Some saw it as a window into Catherine’s emotions, a subtle change to her purse.
A Hearty Welcome and an Observed Moment
In Marine One, Donald and Melania touched down on the royal estate. They greeted their guests with stiff handshakes and well-practiced smiles.
Wearing a sophisticated double-breasted maroon coat and holding a tiny purse, Catherine gave the President a big grin and held out her hand. Following their meeting, Catherine went to greet Melania, and Donald turned to talk to William.
As the four of them made their way to the palace, Catherine saw the American presidential pair holding hands, according to body language expert Bruce Durham of Huddle Culture.
“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 stated to the Daily Mirror.
A Secret Importance
This gesture, according to the expert, made Catherine “uncomfortable enough,” as if she needed to go closer to her husband.
Bruce pointed out that Catherine has been unable to make impromptu gestures, even simple ones like reaching out or approaching William, because of the years of royal tradition she has adhered to.
In reference to the time Catherine subtly moved her handbag from her left hand to her right, he remarked, “All you get is a shift of the handbag, which indicates she wants to do it, but she regiments herself and recognizes that spatial awareness.”
However, the expert admitted that they all appeared content, and it was fascinating to observe how various couples are required to act in public settings.
An Acknowledgment at First Look
Jeremy Freeman, a lip-reader, focused on the first conversation between Donald and the Princess of Wales immediately following their departure from the helicopter.
He claims that Donald acknowledged Catherine right away and did so in a straightforward manner. The President allegedly said, “You’re so beautiful, so,” according to Jeremy.
The planned festivities of this historic state visit were formally opened shortly after the exchange when William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, led the Trumps to Victoria House, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla awaited their arrival.
At that very moment, a video became viral. As previously reported, accusations of royal tension, power struggles, and an embarrassing snub captured on video have captivated social media and spurred intense online conjecture following a picture-perfect conversation between Camilla, Catherine, and Melania.
The official live feed captured footage of the British monarchs, American dignitaries, and aides welcoming each other warmly.
The Queen struck up a friendly discussion with the First Lady as the President and the King turned to face each other. Soon after, the Princess of Wales entered the circle, grinning, and spoke with Melania immediately.
But suddenly, blink and you’ll miss it, Camilla tilted her head slightly in Catherine’s direction and seemed to tell her to move away with a sharp hand sweep. The Princess appeared to pick up on the hint right away. She concluded her courteous conversation, bid farewell quickly, and stepped back next to William.
The Internet Pops Up
Soon after, the video went viral online, sending body language experts and royal watchers into overdrive. “Camilla is in charge and she makes sure Kate knows it,” one viewer exclaimed, while another referred to it as “Rude!”
“She must have forgotten she was on camera!” was the clincher from a third responder.
Social media footage of the encounter revealed Camilla giving Catherine the side eye when she approached her to speak with Melania Trump.
The Queen’s gesture for Catherine to depart was seen in another videotape. In their analysis of the viral moment, People Magazine pointed out that although Camilla didn’t seem to speak, she was able to effectively tell Catherine to back off with her hand gesture.
A Body Language Expert Offers Their Opinion
In a more in-depth analysis of the situation, celebrity psychic and body language specialist Inbaal Honigman told UNILAD, “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].”
“Kate’s hands are in front of her, in a position that might be interpreted as a little protective, but her fingers are widely spread out,” Inbaal continued. This indicates that she is comfortable in the circumstance.
“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 analyst said.
Is it a hierarchy or a chance? The Argument Continues
Some believe the change was a well-planned power play, while others maintain it was just a logistical nudging in a packed lineup.
Regardless of its veracity, the video has emerged as one of the most talked-about aspects of the US state visit, causing social media to buzz and leaving royal observers eager for more.
