How Kate Middleton "Builds Trust" With Prince Louis When He "Plays Up," According to a Body Language Expert
Basically, she's an amazing mom.


As has often been remarked, Kate Middleton is kind of a natural around children.
Whenever she meets a group of kids during official engagements, she always crouches down to speak to them on their level, rather than towering over them (I don't know about you, but I remember being terrified of adults who did this as a kid).
And as good as she is with other people's children, the Duchess of Cambridge regularly demonstrates what a wonderful parent she is to her own brood, George, Charlotte and Louis.
Nowhere did we see this more than in the way she reacted to Prince Louis' antics during the Jubilee celebrations, as body language expert Darren Stanton points out.
"From hugging Louis as he grew restless, to smiling energetically at the youngster—who was clearly loving the attention—as he performed alongside her, it was clearly important for Kate to engage with her children, especially as it would have been a very long day for them," Stanton tells Marie Claire on behalf of Slingo.
"At times, we saw Louis grow irritable and while him playing up made for some very comical photos, Kate—and William too—were on hand to ensure their brood [behaved]," the expert continues.
Stanton went on to explain how the duchess builds trust with her youngest son, rather than being seen purely as an authority figure. "As Kate interacted with Louis you’ll notice that she positions her face very close to him, she also bends her head to reduce her height while interacting with him—such a gesture is one of a nurturing nature, it allows her to build a deep rapport with her son," he says.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"Being the same height and being able to maintain eye contact ensures Kate can give Louis the reassurance and support he needs as an individual. It’s a powerful way of building trust in a motherly role."
Middleton made sure not to get visibly angry as Prince Louis pulled faces, shushed her and otherwise acted up. "Kate made sure to respond in a calm and reassuring manner," Stanton explains.
But that doesn't mean she accepted all of her four-year-old's behavior. "Kate has a few gestures that tell the children enough is enough, like holding out her hands to encourage Louis to stop," Stanton says.
"She leans in towards Louis to address him directly, before leaning away and directing her attention elsewhere as he continues to show him that she will not accept the way he is behaving."
The expert also saw how much love and affection the duchess clearly has for her young son throughout the Jubilee—and it's pretty undeniable, even if you're not a trained body language reader.

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Princess Kate Embraces the Déjà Vu Blue Trend For Surprise Appearance—And Her Necklace Is On Sale
And her necklace is on sale.
-
The Unexpected Attribute Kate Middleton Has Been "Teased" About by Other Members of the Royal Family
It turns out she takes after The King.
-
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie Were Nearly Given Prince William and Princess Kate's Titles Until Edward Made Unusual Request
He's a theatre kid for life.
-
How a "Last-Minute" Message Called an Urgent "Ceasefire" Between Prince Harry and Prince William After Queen Elizabeth Died
"They are better and stronger together than they are apart."
-
A Surprising "Royal Power Duo" Has Emerged as Prince William Displays "Growing Bond" With Unexpected Relative in Rare Joint Engagement
"They have so much fun together."
-
Princess Kate Returns to Royal Duties After Intruder Arrested at Windsor Castle
The Princess of Wales carried out her first royal meeting since the incident.
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Are Set to Make Their First Summer 2025 Appearance
It's the cutest time of the year.
-
Wedges Are Back, as Duchess Sophie Proves in Princess Kate-Inspired True-Blue Summer Uniform
It's time to revive those espadrille wedges once again.