Duchess Camilla's 'inhibitions' and 'mixed feelings' when shot by Kate Middleton revealed by expert

A body language expert has revealed how Duchess Camilla's 'inhibitions' during her photoshoot with her step daughter in law, Catherine

Kate Middleton
(Image credit: Karwai Tang / Contributor / Getty Images)

A body language expert has decoded a recent photoshoot involving Camilla Parker Bowles and Kate Middleton. Duchess Camilla's 'inhibitions' have now been revealed by the expert who suggested Her Royal Highness was likely having 'mixed feelings.'


Duchess Camilla was captured by ‘brilliant’ Kate Middleton in a photo for a special new project for a magazine cover. A post from Clarence House revealed that the Duchess of Cornwall commissioned Catherine as a photographer and asked her to shoot her for the upcoming cover of Country Life.

The post from Clarence House read, "In celebration of The Duchess of Cornwall’s upcoming 75th birthday and the magazine’s 125th anniversary, Her Royal Highness has guest-edited a special commemorative edition of @CountryLifeMagazine, to be published on Wednesday 13th July. Commissioned by The Duchess of Cornwall as guest editor, Her Royal Highness invited The Duchess of Cambridge to capture the cover image at her home in Wiltshire, Raymill."

A behind-the-scenes picture shot by Shona Williams showed Duchess Kate in casual attire as she shot photographs of her step-mother-in-law. Photography is one of Kate Middleton's hobbies and the Duchess has become quite the unofficial photographer for the Royal Family, so it makes sense that the Duchess asked her to get involved.

Royal fans may have also assumed that with a family member behind the lens, the Duchess of Cornwall may have been put at ease. However, a body language expert has revealed that rather than feeling relaxed, Camilla Parker Bowles actually appeared to have 'mixed feelings.' 

"The added intriguing aspect of this particular photo is that it hints at the relationship between Camilla and the photographer, who happens to be Kate. Working behind the camera, Kate has been able to bring out some wonderfully spontaneous and authentic facial expressions from her children as they have related to their mother rather than just a camera," said Judi James, body language expert.

The expert then revealed that, unlike the Cambridge children who seem relaxed in the images taken by their mother Kate, Camilla still seemed slightly uncomfortable in front of the camera held by Catherine. 

"The same might have been true of Camilla although along with her affectionate eye expression she does still look a little bashful here rather than being put completely at her ease," said the expert. "Her mouth smile is asymmetric with some suppression of the lips suggesting mixed feelings and an inability to shake off some of her usual inhibitions about being in front of the camera."

"Kate’s photo is lovely but there’s no suggestion that her presence has added any huge new layer of fun and relaxation to Camilla’s body language," concluded Judi.

Duchess Camilla captured by Kate Middleton in new photo, seen side by side here

(Image credit: Future// Image 1:Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images // Image 2: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Speaking more specifically about how the Duchess of Cornwall seemed in front of the camera, Judi suggested that Camilla relied on props and showed her 'non-assertive persona' as someone who was more comfortable in a garden than a throne.

"Everything about this photograph suggests Camilla is pushing a non-threatening, non-assertive persona that borders on the submissive. The pose itself defines someone kind and warm who prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Sitting on a rustic bench, Camilla has placed the basket of flowers between herself and the camera as what looks like a barrier and attempt to deflect attention. Her body pose is casual rather than upright in a way that might hint at her future role of Queen and the way she places her hands on the basket suggests she’s grateful to have something to do with them as a prop," said Judi.

Speaking about her fashion choices, Judi concluded, "the pale blue floral dress and cardigan are whimsical rather than regal and she looks like a woman happier to be out helping her husband with his famous gardens than sitting on a throne."

Laura Harman

Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.