Kate Middleton ‘determined’ to ‘fight back’ amid BBC controversy
Kate Middleton is showing signs of ‘resilience’ according to a body language expert.

Kate Middleton is reportedly showing signs of being “determined” to remain resilient and “fight back” amid the controversy surrounding the new BBC documentary.
- The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out yesterday for her latest engagement at Nower High School in Harrow.
- According to a body language expert, Kate Middleton has been showing signals of “bordering on firmness and confidence”.
- This royal news comes as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could push the royals to ‘breaking point’ with a second tell-all interview.
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”.
The first five years of our lives have an extraordinary impact on the adults we become. They provide the foundations for how we respond to our biggest challenges in later life, our long-term health, wellbeing and resilience. pic.twitter.com/m2EGD7bPkjNovember 24, 2021
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."
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."
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
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.”
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 is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in 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 latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Helen George’s tartan coat was a chic way to wear this ageless trend in winter
Call the Midwife star Helen George once wore a gorgeous tartan coat and it's inspired us to up our outerwear game this February
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Am I Being Unreasonable? season 2 ending explained: Does Nic get away with murder?
There's so much to unpick from the shocking Am I Being Unreasonable? season 2 finale
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
Kate Middleton could make special appearance at event she 'loves' alongside Prince William
The Princess of Wales could potentially attend a high-profile event with Prince William and make her first red carpet appearance of 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton has always been Kate's 'rock' as 'unflappable' family matriarch
Carole Middleton is 'very proactive' and has been 'amazing' as a source of support for the Princess of Wales all her life
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton marks World Cancer Day with heart-warming new photo taken by Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales has shared a special post ahead of World Cancer Day 2025 and it features a powerful reminder
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Zara dress is the monochrome style gift that keeps on giving - and we love its versatility
The Princess of Wales brought back her checked Zara dress for her first visit to Wales in 2025 and it looked as stylish as ever
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton makes first trip to Wales in 2025 as special new patronage is announced
The Princess of Wales has travelled to Wales for the first time this year as she was announced the Patron of Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Lady Louise Windsor could step up to be vital support to Prince William in 'years to come'
Lady Louise could potentially be 'willing' to help out her cousin Prince William one day even if she doesn't become a working royal
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
The chunky boot trend Kate Middleton comes back to every year effortlessly blends comfort and style
The Princess of Wales's chunky boots are perfect for the colder months and there are three designs she particularly loves to wear
By Emma Shacklock Published