Kate Middleton and Prince William Drank Beer and Played Soccer After a Kind of Uncomfortable Portrait Unveiling
They looked uncharacteristically nervous.

If there's one given that all royal commentators agree on these days, it's that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge show a huge amount of confidence as individuals and as a couple—confidence which they didn't display as much of in the early days of their marriage.
But there are exceptions to every rule, and while attending their first joint painted portrait unveiling, Prince William and Kate Middleton seemed a little uncomfortable. TO BE FAIR, anyone would feel a bit weird about having a gigantic painting of themselves just, like, hanging in a museum gallery.
ICYMI, the Cambridges were honored with a painting in their image on June 23, in their dukedom of Cambridge, at the University's Fitzwilliam Museum. The portrait was created by artist Jamie Coreth, and is literally larger than life.
A post shared by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@dukeandduchessofcambridge)
A photo posted by on
For body language expert Darren Stanton, although the royal couple was obviously very grateful to be commemorated in that way, they also found it a little bit awkward to have to stare at themselves, and engage in what I imagine will have been some amount of appreciative nodding.
"While at the unveiling the couple seemed a little hesitant and nervous, which is rare," Stanton tells Marie Claire on behalf of Slingo.
"For Kate and William they are usually attending events supporting charities, visiting hospitals, etc. to show their support; however, the unveiling was focused on them.
"Their body language during the unveiling suggests they felt it was slightly self-indulgent, despite their first portrait being a milestone in their royal history."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
But after taking in the portrait, the Cambridges were able to do more of what they're used to: interact with crowds of royal fans and representatives from various local organizations.
"Kate and William were more than happy to attend the unveiling, but appeared a little lost for words on seeing the extravagance of the portrait, leaving them slightly overwhelmed," Stanton continues. "However, when the pair were later seen interacting with the locals, they seemed far more relaxed."
In a very charming turn of events, the Cambridges were spotted drinking beer and kicking soccer balls (the duchess in heels, which, impressive). This was all part of Cambridgeshire County Day celebrations.
"We saw Kate letting her hair down as she kicked a football in her heels and drank beer with William," Stanton observes.
"It’s moments like these that reiterate just how relatable Kate and Will are as a couple and it reminds the public that the pair are two 40-year-olds enjoying life like normal 40-year-olds would."
On the day, the royals also visited housing charity Jimmy's, and children's hospice EACH.
The duchess also gazed lovingly at her husband, in a lovely return to business as usual.
Oh, and by the way, if you were eyeing Middleton's outfit, here's her LK Bennett dress in a slightly different print, and her Emmy London pumps and clutch.
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.
-
King Charles Plans to Surprise Queen Camilla With Special Gift
The monarch shared his not-so-secret plans with a celebrity at the Royal Variety Performance.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William "Appalled" at Way Kate Middleton Was Treated
"The princess is being encouraged to ignore critics."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Forced to Quit Hobby After "Too Many Injuries"
"I can't do much now," he explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Is "Appalled" at the Way Wife Kate Middleton Was Treated After Fashion Statement
"The princess is being encouraged to ignore critics."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Former Royal Aide Says Prince William Will Exude This Quality When He Becomes King
Jason Knauf, who worked for both Prince William and Prince Harry, shared what the Prince of Wales is like behind the scenes.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William's Life Is More "Relaxed" Than His Predecessors When It Comes to This Strict Royal Rule
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted that "protocol rules have flexibility."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Once Admitted He Was "Really Bad" at One of His Family's Favorite Activities
We can't all be Kate.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Is "Refusing" to Have Her Life "Dictated" by Palace Officials: Report
She's following in Princess Diana's footsteps.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie's Sisterly Relationship Is "One of the Most Important Partnerships" for the Royals
The royal duo has formed "an unbreakable bond" over the years.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Raised Eyebrows By Wearing Princess Diana's Priceless Ring During This Risky Vacation Activity
It was a choice.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
All the Details on Princess Kate and Prince William's Seriously Luxe Mustique Vacation
From a $42k villa with a private butler to a celebrity-fave bar, the Waleses are enjoying some fun in the sun.
By Kristin Contino Published