The Prince and Princess of Wales were in London to welcome the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani. It was the first time Sheikha Jawaher had been seen in public since her cancer diagnosis was announced earlier this year. The British royal couple greeted the Qatari royals at their hotel before travelling together to Horse Guards Square for an official welcome ceremony. They then joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for a private lunch at Buckingham Palace.

During the ceremony, William placed his hand affectionately on Kate’s back as she joined him on the dais. Kate bowed to King Charles before the five of them greeted the dignitaries. Body language expert Judi James analysed Kate and William’s appearance, noting that the future king wanted to send a signal to Kate and the world that his wife always had his full attention.

“This hand-on-shoulder gesture is not just a gesture of attention from William, it’s a way of letting Kate and the world know that she has his undivided attention and focus, despite the state visit and all the dignitaries they’re meeting and greeting,” James told Express.co.uk. “It’s a priority ritual and a confirmation of her royal status and feeling like the most important person in his life. He does it alongside another confirming gesture, the head tilt . “

“When Kate speaks, William is also letting her know that she has his full attention, ” the body language expert added. “He is prioritizing his wife, and in the British Royal Family, this is a rare ritual. Royal couples rarely show too much interest in each other in public, especially at state events like this. This makes the prince’s romantic signal all the more impressive . “