William and Kate have put aside the previously boisterous image of their family to show how they are strong and united as they tightly protect their children amid the Princess of Wales’ cancer battle, experts have claimed.
Paying tribute on Fathers’ Day, the Royal Couple posted a photo of Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, looking out to sea with William on a Norfolk beach close to their Anmer Hall home.
The trio posed with their backs to the camera in a contemplative and peaceful scene captured by their mother earlier this year
Watching out at the peaceful sands, the two brothers have their arms around each other in a sweet tableau while Charlotte wraps hers around her father. William reaches out to hold all his children as they stand on a grassy dune.
And body language expert Judi James says the scene is an insight into the intimate relationship within the family unit.
She told MailOnline: ‘William and Kate have eschewed the usual garden bench pose for Father’s day this year to chose a much more intimate and telling photo that packs the boisterous playfulness of previous years.
The photo showed the trio on a beach trip alongside their father, posing with their backs to the camera as they looked out to sea
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
Prince George, the Prince of Wales, Prince Louis, the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Edinburgh and Lady Louise Windsor on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
Kate beams as she accompanies her children in a carriage during today’s procession (pictured L-R: Kate, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte)
‘The setting of a wind-swept beach, the looking out to sea and the casual choice of outfits suggests an idyllic and very free, Enid Blyton-style childhood that is as uninterrupted by royal rules as possible.
‘Instead of looking at the camera and speaking directly to and posing for the viewer, they are shot from back view, all gazing out at the horizon. This setting implies a desire for calm and for context.
‘Sea views always have a calming effect and the sound and the waves plus the sense of gazing into infinity allow people to put their own lives and any worries into that context.
‘William and his children look isolated in a loving family unit and all gazing out into their future with a sense of unity and strength.’
Ms James added that the image gives a peak into the relationships between the children and their parents, as they are keen to show they are growing up.
It comes as the children crossed another boundary, releasing their own message for the first time as they paid tribute to their love for their ‘Papa’.
She says it could hint towards the future of the family as the children become adults – with George protecting Louis as his big brother and Charlotte showing her devotion to her parents.
The body-language expert continued: ‘William holds his arms out wide in a non-negotiable gesture of wrapping wings of protection around his children. He encircles them all but we can already see signs that at least two of his brood are keen to show they are growing up.
The Royal Family yesterday took to the Buckingham Palace balcony to wave to members of the public who had packed The Mall
The Waleses looked up in awe yesterday as they watched the flypast over The Mall
Prince George, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Catherine, Princess of Wales during Trooping the Colour
The Princess of Wales speaks with Prince Louis as they watch Trooping the Colour today
‘Charlotte is happy to be a ‘daddy’s girl’, wrapping her own arm around her dad and leaning towards him, but Louis and George seem to want to be seen as more adult here, which is often a result of starting school as Louis has done.
‘George and Louis have their arms round each other and it’s George’s left arm suggesting he offers his younger brother a similar type of protection as William offered him when he was small.
‘Kate invisibly shares this view into the future with her family from behind the camera, adding an even tighter bonding to the loving group.’
The relaxed, contemplative scene – which was taken earlier this year – sees all the royals in shorts, with blue jumpers and t-shirts.
In a short message, they said: ‘We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day. G, C & L.’ The post also included an emoji of two hearts.
It comes a day after Princess Kate returned to the public eye for the first time this year following her cancer diagnosis, with the royal trio starring as they waved to crowds of fans packing The Mall.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams added that the scene shows the future of the royal family coming together ‘at a time when they need one another’.
He said: ‘This is an inspiring photograph, taken from an unusual angle but very significant in its symbolism.
Last night, Kate released a statement saying she was making ‘good progress’ with her treatment, but candidly said she has ‘good days and bad days’ and although she has been working from home, said ‘I am not out of the woods yet’
The statement from the Princess of Wales which has been issued by Kensington Palace today
Kate was last seen at a royal event attending church at Sandringham on December 25, 2023
Kate and Charlotte try to wipe away condensation on carriage windows
‘We see William support and be supported by his children and we know this is at a time when they need one another.
‘They are at the seaside, looking towards a distant horizon, as the future of the royal family. It is a casual, relaxed image.
‘Yesterday we saw the family put on a formal face at Trooping the Colour with Catherine wearing Jenny Packham inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s glorious Ascot outfit in My Fair Lady.
‘One of her secrets of the Waleses success is how effortlessly they have combined the formal and the informal in past years.
‘Now, planning activities are difficult because she is battling cancer, but Catherine has captured an enchanting image of a united family in this memorable photograph, with its delightful message from George, Charlotte and Louis to William on Father’s Day.’
After months of chemotherapy, which is still ongoing, the princess joined the national stage for Trooping the Colour yesterday but kept a watchful eye on her children.
Her appearance was in doubt after she missed the final rehearsal last weekend, but with the King also suffering from cancer the spectacle of military pomp and pageantry became a symbolic statement by the monarchy after a period of uncertainty.
During the day she was surrounded by other members of the family, with her husband the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, on horseback, as were the Princess Royal, Colonel Blues and Royals, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel Scots Guards.
Prince William, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne salute on Horse Guards Parade for the King’s Birthday Parade
King braves pouring rain to salute troops at Trooping the Colour
King Charles III salutes the gathered guardsmen as the line was presented
King Charles III and Queen Camilla travel along The Mall to the Trooping the Colour ceremony
Kate said in a statement on Friday she was making ‘good progress’ with her treatment but candidly added she has ‘good days and bad days’ and, although she has been working from home, said ‘I am not out of the woods yet’.
Support from the public has made a deep impression on the princess, who said she had been ‘blown away’ by the ‘kind messages’ that had made a ‘world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times’.
She has begun to work from home, undertaking meetings with her foundation and Kensington Palace team, and hopes ‘to join a few public engagements over the summer’.
Royal expert Lydia Alty added that the image ‘demonstrates strength’, and shows that Kate has still been able to enjoy photography as a way to relax while she has been ill.
She said: ‘Whilst the Princess Of Wales has been unwell, this has been a hobby that she can be focused on and clearly enjoy with her family. The image clearly demonstrates strength.
‘Prince William has had to be to his wife and Children over the past few months, which have been so tough for the family.
‘I think the fact that Prince William is hugging his children shows how he is supporting his children and is always there for them.’
To mark the news Kensington Palace also released a stunning new portrait of the princess taken at Windsor Castle this week by Matt Porteous, showing her looking well and in a reflective mood.
New behind-the-scenes video captures Trooping the Colour ceremony
In a gentle scene, the older siblings Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince George, 10, can be seen waiting nervously in the doorway as Kate quietly smooths her daughter’s locks
Charlotte can be seen anxiously moving around as she clasps her hands in front of her, and she quietly says a few words to her mother while watching the carriage approach
Then, as royals walk in synchronized steps towards their seats Charlotte seems to take a deep breath, while Kate tenderly takes her hand
The monarch, 75, said he was ‘delighted’ that his daughter-in-law would be joining the royal family at tomorrow’s events and is ‘much looking forward to all elements of the day’.
Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, has just recently returned to public-facing duties while still receiving his own course of treatment for an undisclosed form of the disease.
It is understood that Kate spoke to the King in advance about her attendance during the festivities.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: ‘His Majesty is delighted that The Princess is able to attend tomorrow’s events and is very much looking forward to all elements of the day.’
Asked how the princess was feeling, a Kensington Palace spokesman said: ‘As she has said she is making good progress and is looking forward to joining the family tomorrow.
‘As she said in her message, and as anyone receiving chemotherapy will know, she has good days and bad days.’
Kensington Palace said it will be not commenting further on her treatment and how long it is expected to last.
Trooping the Colour is a social as well as a ceremonial occasion and the stands overlooking the parade ground were filled with about 8,000 spouses, girlfriends and parents of the guardsmen and officers on parade.
Beaming Princess Charlotte couldn’t help but smile as she appeared alongside her brother Prince George at today’s Trooping the Colour
Moment Princess Charlotte appears to tell Louis to stop dancing
Another snap of the popular young Prince showed him grimacing as he rode to Buckingham Palace
Kate’s appearance was to mark the family occasion and she is not expected to return to full-time royal duties until she has fully recovered.
The Princess first announced that she had cancer on March 22.
In a hugely moving video statement, recorded at Windsor, she revealed that she had been diagnosed following serious abdominal surgery in January and was already undergoing ‘preventative’ chemotherapy.
In the video – which had been filmed just two days earlier – Catherine revealed the news had come as a ‘huge shock’ and that she and William ‘have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family’.
‘It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok,’ she said.
In March, another photo taken by Kate of her with her children sparked wild conspiracy theories after it was pulled over fears it had been digitally manipulated.
And in an unprecedented move the Princess of Wales apologised for editing the Mother’s Day portrait herself, which showed the mother-of-three beaming alongside George, Catherine and Louis.
A statement from the Princess of Wales said: ‘Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.
Kensington Palace released the first picture of the Princess of Wales since surgery in March, sparking conspiracy theories
‘I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C’
They said the couple wanted to offer an ‘informal’ picture of the family together for Mother’s Day and the princess made ‘minor adjustments’, as she has shared in her statement on social media. An aide added: ‘The Wales family spent Mother’s Day together and had a wonderful day.’
In early May she stepped behind the camera again as she posted a beaming phgoto of Princess Charlotte for her birthday.
With flowing blonde hair and her cheeky grin, the young royal looked every inch the perfect Princess, wearing a £42 raspberry wool cardigan from Parisian brand Cyrillus teamed with a denim skirt from the same brand.
The photo marked a positive sign that Kate was well enough to be up and about and taking photos, which is one of her passions.
Earlier today, the Prince of Wales also shared a photo of him playing football with the King to mark Father’s Day.
The photo of William and Charles together in the gardens of Kensington Palace was taken on June 12 1984.
‘Happy Father’s Day, Pa,’ the social media post, personally signed by William, said.
The Prince of Wales has shared a photo (pictured) of him playing football with the King to mark Father’s Day
The photo, taken on June 12 1984 shows William and Charles playing together. ‘Happy Father’s Day, Pa,’ the post, personally signed by William, said
The photo taken by the PA news agency shows an almost two-year-old William in short dungarees and a stripey blue top and the King in a grey double-breasted suit kicking a small football.
Later that same year William would gain a younger brother, with the Duke of Sussex born in September.
Sweet behind the scenes videos from yesterday’s royal event showed Kate beaming alongside her children as she prepared to once again go in front of the British crowds.
With a gentle smile, she sat in the carriage outside Buckingham Palace next to cheeky Prince Louis, as he grinned and leant forward to make sure we can all see his wave to the cameraman.
In a sweet tribute, the Prince and Princess of Wales said: ‘Thank you to everyone involved in Trooping the Colour.
‘Always in awe of the work that goes into putting together such an incredible afternoon.’
Another video, released yesterday, further revealed the lovely scene just seconds before the group set off, with Princess Charlotte, and Prince George, waiting nervously in the doorway as Kate quietly smoothed her daughter’s locks.
Charlotte could be seen anxiously moving around as she clasped her hands in front of her, and she quietly said a few words to her mother while watching the carriage approach.
King shares throwback footage as he leads tributes on Father’s Day
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the Father’s Day tributes this morning with a touching video montage of Charles and Philip (pictured)
The King also rode in a carriage with the Queen, a departure from last year because of his illness, and inspected the officers and guardsmen on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall from the coach rather than from a horse.
Garrison Sergeant Major Stokes who helped plan Trooping praised Kate, he said: ‘I think it’s such a nice thing for the Princess of Wales to come and attend today.
‘It is probably the only day we see the entire royal family together in public and I think the royal family really appreciate the day as well – it’s the closest thing we get in the United Kingdom to a national day, so all of that makes it incredibly special.’
Then, as the royals walked in synchronized steps towards their seats Charlotte seemed to take a deep breath, while Kate tenderly took her hand.
And steadied by her family, as she waited in the carriage to set off, she could be seen smiling happily through the window as they chatted together in the coach.
Louis – who appeared to have no such nerves – was laid back as he leaned casually against the wall, wearing shorts and a smart jacket.
The little prince stole the show again yesterday at Trooping the Colour, as he was pictured yawning, trying to open a window and dancing to the military music as the princess and her young family watched the pomp and pageantry in Horse Guards Parade.
In other moments from the clip, the Wales family were seen waving from the Buckingham Palace balcony, alongside clips of the King and Queen departing in their carriage.
King and Camilla return to Buckingham Palace via horse and carriage
Steadied by her family, as she waits in the carriage to set off, she can be seen smiling happily through the window as they chat together in the coach
The moment was captured as the family waited for their carriage to arrive – with the drivers graciously doffing their hats as they pulled in
Prince William could also be seen proudly sitting to attention as he rode on horseback and his father gave the royal salute, and the Red Arrows roared over the royal residence.
Mrs Haddow said: ‘Well, like anybody going through chemotherapy, it’s a big thing for her to come out and do this. We were a wee bit back but she looked fine, happy to be involved and she was with the kids.’
She said the royal family played an important part in ‘bringing in tourism’ to the country, adding: ‘It’s a great thing to have a king or queen.’
It featured more than 1,250 soldiers, including hundreds of guardsmen lined up in two rows who were inspected by the King from his carriage with Camilla, Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, followed by the mounted royal Colonels.
The colour, or regimental flag, that was trooped in front of the soldiers, an ancient ceremony to enable servicemen to identify their flag, was the King’s Colour of number 9 company, Irish Guards, the regiment Kate serves as Colonel.
Dark clouds threatened rain but luckily for organisers the downpour came as the royal family left in carriages for their balcony appearance to watch the fly-past, with the rain ending as the first jets roared overhead and the Red Arrows provided the finale.
During the aerial show, William was pictured affectionately pulling Louis’ ears as Kate watched and grinned and when the national anthem was played big sister Charlotte gave her younger sibling a nudge to stand still.