Members of the royal family were able to reunite at the Commonwealth Games. According to body language expert, Judi James, the Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie Wessex have a bond.
The Duchess attended the games with the Duke of Cambridge and their daughter Princess Charlotte, but met with Prince Edward, Sophie Wessex, and their children James and Lady Louise. They were seen embracing before taking their seats to watch the swimming categories compete in the Aquatic Centre, reports The Daily Mirror.
Kate and Sophie, her husband's aunt, shared an embrace that Judi believes provides clues about their relationship and suggests the pair have a warm bond. Judi explained: "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.
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"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."
Judi added: "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. William is also pulled in for a cheek kiss and a hug, with Sophie squeezing his elbow in another add-on tie sign.
"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."
The Duke and Duchess's appearance at the Commonwealth Games was also a rare public outing for their daughter, Princess Charlotte, who is usually only seen out and about with her brothers. The seven year old was pictured pulling a range of expressions as she watched the swimming heats, a hockey match and, at the end of her day, artistic gymnastics.
Chief executive of SportsAid, Tim Lawler, described Charlotte as "charming." Tim hosted the royal visit to Birmingham University, where the royals learnt about the Team England Futures initiative.
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