Prince William and Kate Middleton Looked So Happy Together in Scotland
They were there to hear about early childhood and mental health initiatives.
I'm no body language expert, but even I could tell that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked super happy and in sync for their latest visit to Glasgow, Scotland.
Thankfully for my reputation, actual body language expert Darren Stanton agrees with me: This engagement really showed "the strength of their relationship," he says.
"The confidence in each other and their relationship was visible in how in sync the couple were as they stepped out together," Stanton tells Marie Claire on behalf of Slingo. "You’ll notice Kate and Will often match and mirror each other’s body position and gestures, like standing with their hands clasped in front and waving with one hand to the crowd, which represents the deep connection they share and the strength of their relationship."
The royal couple headed to Scotland to hear about various initiatives surrounding early childhood and mental health, two of the causes closest to their hearts.
For the occasion, the Cambridges showed their respect for the Scottish people by dressing in head-to-toe blue, which represents the sky and, according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, was likely chosen to deeply contrast the flag of England, which features a red cross of St. George.
Proving once again that monochrome is the new color-blocking (and taking a page from the Queen herself's fashion book), Kate Middleton wore a navy blue calf-length coat by one of her favorite designers, Catherine Walker (here is a similar design), a cornflower blue blouse by Cefinn (it's sold out in that specific color, but you can pre-order it), tailored navy pants and navy pointed pumps.
She accessorized with the same pearl earrings by Annoushka she has been wearing for years (a gift from her beloved, perhaps?), a black belt, and the little blue handbag from Parisian label Polène which she was also seen with at her previous engagement, while commemorating the victims of the Manchester attacks.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
The Cambridges first visited a "Roots of Empathy" session at an elementary school. "How you guide children’s understanding of a baby’s needs and emotions is such a forward-thinking approach," they wrote on Instagram.
There, both royals looked completely in their element—but especially the duchess. "It was clear to see their parental side shining through, with Kate’s maternal instincts kicking in throughout the engagement, like when she read to a baby or stopped to interact with a group of young children—kneeling to ensure she was on their level," Stanton says.
He adds, "Keen to get stuck in, Kate kneeling and sitting with the children alongside William suggests how the royal couple are keen to do things their own way. We would never have seen the Queen adopt this pose or interact quite so closely with members of the public as she is a stickler for royal protocol, with her father instilling tradition in her from an early age."
After that, the Cambridges visited the University of Glasgow to talk to students about their mental health during exam season especially. They also went to the Wheatley Group, where they learned about the challenges of homelessness in the city and in Scotland generally.
"The support offered by the University of Glasgow, as well as the understanding and empathy of its students, has given us a real insight and emphasises the importance and value of talking about mental wellbeing especially during this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek," they wrote on Instagram.
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.
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs To
The 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
By Brian Moylan Published
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The King
The top three people on this list might surprise you.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Sydney Sweeney Winterizes a Plunging Mini Dress With a Sheer Turtleneck and a Fur-Lined Penny Lane Coat
The star layered all her favorite cold-weather trends for a night on Broadway.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
This Unexpected Royal is Richer Than The King
The top three people on this list might surprise you.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why Royal Courtiers Allegedly Gave Prince Harry and Prince Andrew Unexpected 'Dukes of Hazzard' Nicknames
A royal expert claimed the nicknames—inspired by the famous TV show—relate to King Charles.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
These Royals Could Step Up to Help Prince William When He's King "If He Calls on Them"
Three members of the Royal Family are likely to pitch in with duties down the line.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Why King Charles "Refuses" to Give Kate Middleton Advice About Becoming Queen
"For much of the same reason, Camilla has not felt compelled to speak with Kate about what it's like to be queen."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Will This Major Red Carpet Moment be Princess Kate's First Appearance of 2025?
"We have been told that she wouldn't want to miss it, so she's hoping to be there with William."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Don't Expect Princess Kate to "Return to the All Trouser Suits, All the Time" Aesthetic in 2025, Per Royal Fashion Experts
Royal style gurus Christine Ross and Susan Kelley share their fashion predictions with 'Marie Claire.'
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Kate Middleton Reportedly Acts as the “Glue” When Prince William and King Charles Don’t See Eye-to-Eye
"She is solution-focused and is certainly the glue between Prince William and King Charles III."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
What Prince William’s Birthday Tribute to Kate Middleton Reveals About How Her Cancer Diagnosis Has Affected Their Relationship
A royal expert unpacked the meaning behind the "'heartfelt" post.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published