Kate Middleton ‘determined’ to ‘fight back’ amid BBC controversy

Kate Middleton is showing signs of ‘resilience’ according to a body language expert.

Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge smiles as she arrives for a visit to Nower Hill High School on November 24, 2021 in London
(Image credit: Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton is reportedly showing signs of being “determined” to remain resilient and “fight back” amid the controversy surrounding the new BBC documentary.


Kate Middleton stepped out in London for her latest engagement and it seems she showed no signs of being troubled by the controversy surrounding the new BBC documentary, The Princes and the Press. Kate Middleton’s Hobbs coat in a stunning cranberry shade was a typically stylish choice for the Duchess, paired with an equally elegant fuschia jumper and she beamed as she arrived at Nower High School in Harrow. Here, she spoke with students who shared their experience and learned more about Oxford Child Psychiatry’s research into educating teenagers about how early experiences help shape brain development. 

This visit came just two days after the first episode of The Princes and the Press aired, after which Prince William and Kate reportedly banned the BBC from broadcasting a Christmas concert organized by the Duchess. Now body language expert Judi James has revealed that despite the documentary fall-out, Kate seems “determined” and “resilient”. 

Opening up to OK! magazine, Judi claimed, “"Although there were clear signs of tension from both William and Kate following the Oprah interview, the current furore over the BBC documentary appears to have produced a sense of body language resilience from the couple, with signals bordering on firmness and confidence.”

She continued, “"There are no barrier or self-comfort rituals from Kate here and she looks determined to get on with the job. Her eye focus is clearly on the children she is visiting as though she has placed duty on a higher priority than conflict and frustration.

"Even her wave looks like a signal of the kind of stoic attitude that the Queen has always been known for and it could be the Queen that she is using as her role model when it comes to gritting your teeth and just getting on with things."

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speaks to students during a visit to Nower Hill High School on November 24, 2021

(Image credit: Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

As Kate talked with the children, Judi observed that when the Duchess makes a point, she “forms a steeple with her fingers with the index fingers raised, making her look firm and emphatic."

And instead of showing signs of being anxious regarding the BBC documentary, Kate Middleton and Prince William appear to be keen to “stand firm”. 

Judi explained, "If there are any clues to the effects of the documentary in both William and Kate’s body language recently the suggestion would be a desire to stand firm or even to fight back, rather than to signal anxiety or worry.”

Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge waves to students as she arrives for a visit to Nower Hill High School on November 24, 2021

(Image credit: (Photo by Kirsty Wigglesworth-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

This comes as Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Clarence House have issued a joint statement in response to the The Prince and the Press, the first episode of which examined the relationship between the media and Princes William and Harry.

It stated, "A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy. However, too often it is overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources that are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility."

Following this, the BBC have declared that the documentary was "about how royal journalism is done and features a range of journalists from broadcast and the newspaper industry".

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!