The Moment Kate’s Body Language 'Paved the Way' for William's Proposal

The Secret Romance of Wills and Kate: Body Language Reveals All

It's no secret that Prince William and Kate Middleton, now the beloved Prince and Princess of Wales, were university sweethearts. But what was behind their on-again, off-again relationship? A closer look at body language expert Judi James' analysis reveals a tantalizing tale of love, lust, and longing.

As it turns out, Kate's crush on Wills began long before they became the Royal Couple we know today. In 2001, while studying at St Andrew's University in Scotland, they met, and sparks flew. But their relationship wasn't without its bumps. In 2007, they briefly split amid rumors that Kate disapproved of William's party lifestyle and reluctance to propose.

However, it seems Cupid's arrow had other plans. Kate watched Wills graduate from the Royal Air Force College Cranwell in April 2008 with an intensity that belies her poised exterior. "Kate's body language here is very relatable for any woman who has been young and in love," Judi James tells us at The Scholarly Note. "She displays all the non-verbal symptoms of a girl with something of a crush...her responses are a very long way from the more restrained and regal behaviors she adopted when she joined the Royal Family."

As Kate watched Wills receive his wings, her body language betrayed a mix of excitement and nervousness. She couldn't help but sneak glances at him throughout the ceremony, often leaning back to get a better view of her beau. "This 'Meercat' action is so similar to the behavior of a young teenager spotting a boy she fancies at a party," Judi notes with a knowing smile.

But what's truly fascinating is that this wasn't even Kate's first time watching Wills receive his wings. She had attended another graduation ceremony – William's passing out parade at Sandhurst in December 2006 – where she was seen commenting on his uniform. This marked her first official public appearance at a Royal Family event, and it's clear that Kate was already smitten.

After their brief split in 2007, Kate might have been worried about history repeating itself. Graduations are times of change and reassessment, and Kate, who had clearly fallen deeply in love with Wills, must have hoped that he would be seeing a future together. Judi suggests that this is why Kate's body language during the ceremony was so reminiscent of her teenage self – she was caught up in the thrill of new love.

As Wills sat across from her, Kate's non-verbal rituals became increasingly apparent. She'd glance around the room, trying to catch his eye, only to lean back and arch her back to get a better view. It's almost as if she was trying to will him to notice her. And then, in a move that would make even the most seasoned observer blush, Kate "peacocks" – flicking her hair about and throwing a flirty smile mid-air.

Judi notes that there are two telltale signs of Kate's feelings: her beaming face as they walked out of the ceremony side-by-side, and her ring-less hand. "This coy behavior from both of them managed to make them look like a bride and groom here," Judi observes wryly, "seemingly paving the way for their engagement announcement in 2010."

It's clear that Kate and Wills' love story is one for the ages – full of twists and turns, but ultimately ending with a happily-ever-after. And as we look back on their romance, it's hard not to feel a sense of nostalgia for those early days when love was new and everything felt possible.

In related news, Wills has now followed in his father Charles' footsteps by becoming an accomplished pilot. In 2008, he began training with the Royal Air Force's Search and Rescue Force (SARF) and went on to conduct 156 search and rescue operations, resulting in 149 people being rescued. It seems that flying is in Wills' blood – and perhaps it will be in Prince George's too? The young prince has reportedly taken flying lessons, becoming the youngest member of the Royal Family to learn to fly.

As for Kate, she's been a steadfast supporter throughout her husband's military career. And judging by their body language during those early days, it's clear that their love story is one for the ages – full of passion, excitement, and a deep devotion to each other.