A body language expert has revealed a significant change in Kate Middleton's demeanour at the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas service. The Duchess of Cambridge, who has had a challenging year battling health issues and undergoing preventative chemotherapy, was eagerly anticipated by viewers at her annual Together At Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.

The event took place on December 6 and was televised after her treatment concluded in September. The Duchess has made only a few public appearances this year, focusing primarily on her health, with her family providing unwavering support.

On Tuesday evening, she dazzled in a stunning red coat as she watched talented musicians perform and beloved celebrities deliver readings at the service. Judi James, a body language expert, told the Mirror that there was a 'subtle shift in dynamic from the previous year' in the Duchess's body language.

She noted: "Firstly there is the growing lack of any signs of tension, thanks in part to the way her children seem to be becoming increasingly self-sufficient. George is now in charge of his brother's royal rituals and protocol and was seen nudging Louis back in line when he tore past George to greet their host at the Abbey, smoothing his tie as he did so in a way that mirrored his father's own preparational gesture when he is on a meet and greet."

"George was quick to show his younger brother the pecking order rules here, while Kate stood behind them, smiling in pride and in possible relief too, seeing how well Louis reacted now his more playful-in-public years are behind him. Kate no longer seemed to be on constant child watch here and that reflected in her body language at times during the service, when she often adopted a more comfortable way of sitting than her usual straight-backed pose and the way she was also seen showing total immersion and absorption rituals as she listened to the service itself.", reports .

Judi noted another change: "This sense of absorption was the second change in Kate's body language. She had chosen 'Empathy' as the theme for the service and her non-verbal signals defined the word perfectly at times. Kate has always looked caring and sympathetic, but empathy tends to come with experience.

"Her illness seems to have added an extra layer of knowledge and that personal experience to her signals. When Michelle Docherty delivered her words about empathy from the pulpit Kate's change of expression, from her smiling hosting role to an expression of reflective understanding and sadness in her eyes as she listened with her chin raised and her head tilted."

She further explained: "The third change came with the body language signals of Kate's new network of affection and support. William sat at one end and the Middletons were there in force, but the pinging signals and expressions from close around Kate came from Charlotte, who shared Kate's pride in Louis by grinning at her mother above Louis's head and who appeared to be eye-checking Kate through the service to offer smiles of support."

Social media was abuzz with praise for Princess Charlotte, who 'stole the show' as she laughed with her brothers Prince George and Prince Louis. She not only assisted her brother in lighting the candles but also enthusiastically sang along to the carols.

"Charlotte also seems to be taking some of the burden of performance off her mother's shoulders too as her responses to the service, like her appreciative, regal smile during the ballet section, made her the new target of royal interest when it came to facial expressions," Judi commented on the young princess. Judi observed that Kate's laughter with Princess Zara 'showed her position as mood-relaxer and fun royal' remains unchanged.

She pointed out how Sophie sat next to the Royal in 'a position of total support'. Judi added: "The two women's greeting rituals showed yet again how close they are, with each holding the other's upper arm to prolong the greeting as they exchanged eye contact and spoke."

"But the new kid on the block in terms of support for Kate seems to be Louis. His glances up at his mum looked more about caring and affection than on previous outings, when he had often been glancing up to be given orders or even small warnings."