Since Princess Diana's untimely death, many commentators have given their two cents about her enduring legacy.
She was such a beloved figure around the world, so it's only natural that people want to know who among Royal Family members is honoring said legacy the best. Of course, Diana is irreplaceable, and many royals embody certain qualities of the late princess'.
That said, for body language expert Darren Stanton, it's Kate Middleton who has shown the most similarities to her husband's mother throughout her marriage to Prince William, and throughout her slew of official engagements—including the ones she conducts without her husband.
For Stanton, it's the duchess' confidence, popularity and authenticity that does the trick—as proven for the thousandth time while the Duchess of Cambridge was naming the winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design this week.
"Upon immediately observing Kate at the awards, as she walks along, it’s very clear from her posture, the way she walks and her smile, that she has evolved so very much as a person over the last decade," Stanton tells Marie Claire on behalf of Betfair Casino.
"Kate has a very quiet confidence and elegance in the way she conducts herself straight from the outset. Her walk is confident and bold—we can tell this by Kate walking with strong arms by her side. She’s not clutching her hands or holding her arms."
The expert feels that the duchess is a completely genuine person, and is truly interested in all the different people she meets on her various engagements—from emerging fashion designers to market stall owners to emergency workers. This, he says, is just like her late mother-in-law.
"She shows a genuine willingness to learn about others that cannot be faked, much like Diana did—what you see is very much what you get with Kate.
"If you look at the body language of those interacting with Kate, there were many times when others surrounding the duchess turned their body position in towards Kate, creating a perfect triad or pyramid shape, denoting a strong rapport and reciprocal liking. Similarly, their feet are turned in towards Kate, which reveals their want to be in that certain situation and around her.
"It’s clear that Kate is one of the most popular members of the senior Royal Family now, who is able to connect with those from all walks of life and ages because of her sincerity and genuineness.
"It’s easy to see the similarities between Kate and Princess Diana and we haven’t seen a member of the royal family emulate or encapsulate the popularity and empathy that Diana had as Kate has done in recent years."
Middleton's sister-in-law Meghan Markle has also been compared to Princess Diana at length. Body language expert Judi James event went as far as calling her a "perfect copy" of the late princess last year.
-
Do Your Stressed Winter Skin a Favor and Invest in Barrier Repair14 expert-approved products for soothed, glowy skin, ahead.
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter SeasonIt's time to add some hydration to your routine.
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV SeriesCould this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
-
Princess Kate Isn't Always "Well Enough" for Royal Duties, but She's Learning to "Pace" Herself"She is looking after herself and is wise to do so," a family friend shared.
-
Princess Kate Has Been Honored With Birthday Charity Earrings That Support a Cause Close to Her HeartProceeds from the $34 style will benefit a charity the Princess of Wales has paid tribute to in the past.
-
Queen Elizabeth's Final Birthday Gift to Kate Middleton Was a Precious Heirloom With Specific Rules AttachedThe present, which was from the Queen's private collection, "brought tears to Kate's eyes."
-
How Princess Kate Broke Tradition with Her Stunning 43rd Birthday PhotoThe Princess of Wales posed for a black-and-white pic by one of her favorite photogs.
-
Despite 2025 Being "the Year of Reset," Princess Kate Will Likely Do This Before Going Back to Regular DutiesRoyal biographer Robert Hardman tells 'Marie Claire' that fans shouldn't expect Kate to go "back to 2023 levels" of appearances.
-
Prince William Is the "Ultimate Nepo Baby," According to Spice Girl Mel B's Daughter Phoenix"There's been rising anger in recent years—almost to the point of obsession on social media."
-
Why Prince Andrew Has Been Reported to the Police Over a Fake Name and Business VentureGet ready to meet the royal's alter ego, "Andrew Inverness."
-
Kate Middleton Won't Let the "Looming Responsibility" of Becoming Queen "Take Her Away" From Her ChildrenThe Princess of Wales is putting her kids before the monarchy.
