Kate Middleton drew all eyes today as she made a highly anticipated appearance at Westminster Abbey for the annual Commonwealth Day Service, marking her return after missing last year’s event.
Back in March 2024, the 43-year-old Princess of Wales announced that she would be stepping away from public life temporarily following her cancer diagnosis.
She had also been absent from the ceremony in 2023, though for an unrelated reason.
Given her return, it was no surprise that many spectators—and even body language experts—were eager to observe how the mother of three would handle being back in the public spotlight.
One lip reader, in particular, analyzed footage from earlier today (10 March), capturing the moment when Prince William, 42, leaned in to whisper something to Kate as they entered the historic venue.
The Princess made a stunning entrance into Westminster, dressed in a striking hot pink gown by Catherine Walker, paired with a matching hat by Gina Foster. As she stepped inside, she and William were warmly greeted by Dr. David Hoyle, Dean of the Abbey.
Lip reading expert Jeremy Freeman analyzed a now-viral clip of the moment and suggested that Kate turned to the person on her left and appeared to say, “Thanks.”
She then reportedly turned to William, remarking that the celebrations were “so lovely.”
Freeman, speaking exclusively to Tyla, claimed that William responded with a lighthearted, “Not bad, right?”
However, Kate wasn’t the only royal whose public appearance drew attention. Earlier today, her father-in-law, King Charles III, also made headlines.
Back in February of last year—just weeks before the Princess revealed her diagnosis—Buckingham Palace confirmed that the 76-year-old monarch had been diagnosed with cancer.
Lovely to see HRH The Princess of Wales at Westminster Abbey today celebrating the commonwealth on commonwealth day #CommonwealthDay #PrincessOfWales pic.twitter.com/6ji1f7rfUm
— Lee Patriot Hood (@Mofoman360) March 10, 2025
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the official statement at the time revealed.
“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.”
The most recent health update on His Majesty came in September, when Palace officials announced that his treatment had been progressing well. They stated that since the condition was being carefully managed, the treatment cycle would extend into the following year.
The statement further added: “There is a sense of optimism, which can be seen in the King’s desire to keep up a busy schedule of public engagements, including during the festive period.”
Thankfully, Kate appears to be on the mend.
During a January visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea—where she had previously received treatment—the Princess confirmed that her cancer was now in remission.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,” Kate expressed warmly. “My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.”
She went on to say, “We couldn’t have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.”
Tyla has reached out to Kensington Palace for a statement.