Princess Kate Doesn't Let Her Future "Dominate" Her Behavior

Kate Middleton laughing wearing a brown blazer

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Princess Kate appeared in high spirits during a visit to Wales on Tuesday, February 3, opening up about her new puppy and the one activity that touches her "soul" while visiting local textile manufacturers. Along with spotlighting the cultural and economic significance of British textiles, the visit also underscored her evolving role in the modern monarchy.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, body language expert Darren Stanton says that Kate's "humility and grounded nature" stand out in her interactions from the trip. Whether it was engaging with employees (both human and canine) or trying her hand at sewing a pair of jeans, Stanton says her non-verbal cues reveal a woman who is increasingly comfortable stepping into her future role as Queen.

"Despite the fact that she is destined to become Queen of England, that sense of status never seems to dominate how she carries herself," he says. "Much like Princess Diana, she comes across as deeply down-to-earth and emotionally present in the moment."

Princess Kate wearing an orange coat bending over to pet a dog — Princess Kate meets a cocker spaniel at Hiut Denim in Cardigan, Wales.

"Whether she’s appearing independently or alongside other members of the royal family, she is completely at ease," the body language expert continues. "That ease speaks volumes about her growing self-assurance and her evolution into a more vital, central figure within the monarchy."

The Princess of Wales spoke with fans gathered outside at both Hiut Denim and Melin Tregwynt, a traditional Welsh woolen mill. When a man referenced Kate's cancer journey by saying, "I hope you’re getting better really soon after what happened to you," the princess seemed especially touched.

"Thank you. Aw, thank you very much," she said. "This is good for my soul, meeting wonderful people."

Princess Kate wearing an orange coat holding a coffee mug — Princess Kate wears a vintage Welsh wool coat for her visit to Wales.

Princess Kate wearing an orange coat, bending over to talk to a young boy in Wales — The Princess of Wales greets a young fan outside the Melin Tregwynt mill.

Stanton says this authentic approach is "key" to her popularity. "People instinctively trust her because she builds rapport quickly and naturally," he explains. "There’s no sense of performance or obligation—she genuinely wants to be there."

He adds that Princess Kate's "ability to connect so sincerely, especially when representing the royal family on her own, underscores not only her confidence but also her readiness for the larger role she is steadily growing into."

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Kristin Contino is Marie Claire's Senior Royal and Celebrity editor. She's been covering royalty since 2018—including major moments such as the Platinum Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III's coronation—and places a particular focus on the British Royal Family's style and what it means.

Prior to working at Marie Claire, she wrote about celebrity and royal fashion at Page Six Style and covered royalty from around the world as chief reporter at Royal Central. Kristin has provided expert commentary for outlets including the BBC, Sky News, US Weekly, the Today Show and many others.

Kristin is also the published author of two novels, “The Legacy of Us” and “A House Full of Windsor.” She's passionate about travel, history, horses, and learning everything she can about her favorite city in the world, London.