A leading body language expert has decoded three significant but understated gestures displayed by the Princess of Wales that speak volumes about her emotional state.

According to Judi James, Princess Kate presented a "chatty and animated" demeanour during a visit at the Royal abode in Balmoral, Scotland. Amidst the backdrop of her health challenges this year following a cancer diagnosis, Kate's engagements have been noticeably sparse.

Judi said: "Kate looks chatty and animated here and as she turns her head to speak her brows are raised."

Spotted as a passenger in a vehicle steered by her husband, the Prince of Wales, Kate seemed to exude a sense of ease, and to "relax".

In Judi's words: "But there is one even stronger sign of authentic, relaxed happiness. We can see her teeth gleaming in a smile that is mirrored by William's smile as they drive to church."

Judi told the Mirror US: "The important 'tell' though comes from the very distinct dimple we can see at the side of her cheek, which suggests she's truly enjoying the outing as well as the company in the car. The hat with its feather gives a jaunty look too, making Kate look positive and upbeat here."

Princess Kate, accompanied by her husband, Prince William, joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for a service at Crathie Church near the Balmoral estate in Scotland. The young Prince George was also glimpsed in the back seat as Kate was seen earlier in the day.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were spotted en route to the service, whereas Prince Edward took a separate car. A ceremonial guard from the Scottish Balaklava company of pipers welcomed the monarch upon his arrival.

Kate stepped out for her first public engagement since her diagnosis during the Trooping the Colour ceremony in London this June, before presenting tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz with his Wimbledon championship trophy in July.

In a heartfelt statement prior to her appearance at Trooping the Colour in June, Kate opened up about her journey with chemotherapy. "I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days," she revealed.

"On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well. My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home."

She continued to explain that her treatment would endure for several more months, finding joy on her better days by engaging with school activities, indulging in personal pastimes that boost her energy and positivity, and beginning to take on some work from home.

Her Sunday outing is believed to be her first public appearance since the grand slam tennis tournament, despite she and William sharing a congratulatory video message for Team GB athletes post-Paris Olympics earlier this month.

Crathie Kirk has long been a favoured place of worship for the Royal Family during their Balmoral stays, spanning over a century. A private service was conducted there for the royals in September 2022 following Queen Elizabeth II's passing, and they also attended a Sunday service there in 1997 after Princess Diana's death.