Carole Middleton proved she is firmly part of the royal family's inner circle during a remarkably pally moment with Queen Camilla and Princess Anne on Wednesday.
The Princess of Wales's mother, 71, arrived at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire arm-in-arm with Zara Tindall on Ladies' Day, before watching the races from the royal box.
Carole was seen sharing a laugh with Camilla and Anne, showing their close bond as she placed her hands on the latter's shoulders. It marked a remarkably affectionate moment, as no-nonsense Princess Anne usually shies away from public displays of affection, even declining a hug from a rugby captain last week.
Analysing the image, body language expert and psychic Inbaal Honigman told HELLO! that Carole appeared "delighted" to be included in such a high-profile royal gathering, even without her daughter Kate present.
Expert analysis
Inbaal explained: "Her smile is wide, bright and genuine, with parted teeth, rounded cheeks and raised eyebrows. This facial expression is glee personified. She's delighted to share that day with the royals, and is thankful to be included."
However, typically, Anne was slightly more reserved in her approach, though Camilla was "not holding back". "Princess Anne's body language is similarly polite," Inbaal explained. "A small smile plays on her lips, even her teeth are showing.
© Getty ImagesShe added: "Her raised eyebrows and upwards turned eyes indicate a positive demeanour, but the brochure in her hands forms a protective barrier. She's happy being there with the family, but she's holding something back."
The trio of women, clearly having a fantastic time, left royal fans delighted. "I see where Catherine gets her sense happiness and fun from!" one person wrote on social media.
Carole's Cheltenham power move
Carole wore the Princess of Wales's blue fedora by Hicks & Brown as she attended the races on Wednesday. Prince William's wife last wore the hat in 2020 while attending Sunday service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe businesswoman also carried a Hermès 'Birkin' bag, which vary in price but can retail for tens of thousands of pounds. Carole and her husband Michael Middleton live at Bucklebury Manor in Berkshire, near to daughter Pippa, her husband James Matthews and their three children.
The Middletons' family business, Party Pieces, which they set up in 1987, went into administration last June.
These days, Carole focuses on being a grandmother to her seven grandchildren, often helping William and Kate out with George, Charlotte and Louis at their Windsor home.
