The footage has resurfaced at a particularly difficult time for the York sisters as they continue to deal with the fallout from the Epstein scandal.
The moment occurred during the 2023 Royal Ascot carriage procession, where Catherine, 44, and Beatrice, 37, were seated opposite one another. They were joined by their husbands, Prince William and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, both 43.
Although both women smiled and waved to the crowd gathered at the Berkshire racecourse, expert Judi James believes their body language suggested a less relaxed dynamic.
Body language hints at tension
According to James, their posture during the carriage ride reflected unease rather than comfort.
“They (Kate and Beatrice) sit locked in poses of mutual tension here, with both pairs of hands clasped tightly in their laps, and their torsos hunched forward in a mirrored self-diminishing ritual that hints at low levels of inner confidence,” she told the Mail.
James also noted that despite sitting directly across from each other, the two women did not appear to make eye contact during the procession. Instead, both focused their attention outward toward the crowd.
The moment seemed to become more awkward once the carriage ride ended.
A strained interaction after the procession
After stepping down from the carriage, Catherine briefly turned back toward Beatrice, a gesture the expert interpreted as a delayed acknowledgment.
However, Beatrice appeared to continue walking without engaging.
“She looks down and strides out as though keen to walk ahead of Kate,” James explained.
Shortly afterward, Catherine seemed to attempt a short conversation with her cousin-in-law while they were walking.
The expert suggested the Princess of Wales may have been trying to create a friendly moment or lighten the atmosphere in front of the public.
Beatrice, however, appeared focused on moving forward rather than pausing for conversation.
“This suggests that either Beatrice had the expectation of being left alone or that that would have been what she preferred,” James said.
“She does look up as Kate speaks to her but her stride still appears strong as though her intent is to go on ahead.”
Renewed attention amid family turmoil
The resurfaced footage has gained attention again as Beatrice and her younger sister, Princess Eugenie, face growing challenges connected to the scandal involving their parents.