A resurfaced moment from the 2017 Royal Ascot has reignited debate about the relationship between Catherine, Princess of Wales and Princess Beatrice — with a body language expert suggesting the future Queen appeared to freeze her cousin-in-law out during a seemingly awkward encounter.
According to expert Judi James, the brief interaction at the famous racing event hinted that tensions between the royal women may have existed years before the latest controversies surrounding the York family.
At the time, Kate was seen enjoying a lively conversation with Zara Tindall, while their husbands — Prince William and Mike Tindall — laughed nearby.
But the mood reportedly shifted when Beatrice attempted to join the conversation.
A conversation that suddenly went quiet
Footage from the racecourse showed Beatrice stepping into the small circle, seemingly expecting to be welcomed into the chat. However, Judi James claimed the dynamic changed noticeably in that moment.
She explained that Kate’s “acceptance” of Beatrice appeared “flimsy and even a little frosty,” suggesting a subtle distancing that long predated the more recent scrutiny surrounding the York family and their links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
When Beatrice moved into the group, Kate’s body language allegedly shifted dramatically. The Princess of Wales appeared to step slightly back and became noticeably quiet, showing what the expert described as a “silent mode” reaction.
Meanwhile, William’s gestures seemed to indicate he was trying to create a subtle physical barrier between his wife and his cousin.
Judi said William appeared to touch his face and glance toward Kate with an expression suggesting he hoped to “form a barrier with Beatrice,” while the conversation around them continued.
Beatrice ‘backs away’ from the group
The awkwardness reportedly became more apparent as the moment unfolded.
Beatrice was seen laughing with Mike Tindall, but the expert suggested her arrival felt more like a disruption than a natural addition to the group dynamic.
Kate, who moments earlier had been animated and engaging, remained quiet and made no visible gestures welcoming her cousin-in-law into the conversation.
Eventually, Beatrice appeared to retreat from the group.
According to Judi James, the princess slowly backed away without exchanging smiles or friendly gestures with the others.
“There is the faint whiff of a failed networker in the way Beatrice wanders off,” she explained, noting that the royal seemed to attempt joining another nearby group shortly afterwards.
Shadow of royal controversies
The resurfaced clip comes at a sensitive time for Beatrice and her sister Princess Eugenie.
Reports suggest both princesses were recently excluded from key royal events, including Royal Ascot’s prestigious Royal Box and the ceremonial procession — decisions believed to be linked to ongoing fallout surrounding their father, Prince Andrew.
Andrew’s long-standing association with Epstein has continued to cast a shadow over the House of York, and royal commentators believe senior members of the family are now being increasingly cautious about public appearances alongside his daughters.
One royal expert suggested it was “unsurprising” that Kate and William might keep a degree of distance from Beatrice and Eugenie given the sensitivity of the situation.
Another awkward Ascot moment
Interestingly, observers have also pointed to another uneasy moment between Kate and Beatrice at Royal Ascot years later.
During the 2023 event, the two women shared a carriage ride alongside their husbands, William and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Although both princesses smiled and waved to the crowds, body language analysis suggested underlying tension.
They reportedly sat facing each other with hands tightly clasped in their laps, avoiding eye contact — a posture that Judi James described as a mirrored gesture hinting at discomfort.
The expert noted there were “no exchanges of glances,” suggesting the pair appeared to ignore one another during the ride despite their close proximity.
Royal Ascot ban adds further strain
The speculation around their relationship intensified after claims that Beatrice and Eugenie had been excluded from this year’s Royal Ascot festivities.
Sources said the sisters were “completely blindsided” by the decision and would not be permitted to sit in the Royal Box or join senior royals in the famous carriage procession.
For the York sisters, the snub could be particularly painful. Royal Ascot was famously one of the favourite events of the late Elizabeth II, and the royal procession has been a long-standing tradition since 1825.
Insiders claim Beatrice has been especially upset by the move, with one source saying she was “completely blindsided” by the decision.
The apparent distancing suggests the Palace is keen to avoid any public association that could further damage the reputation of the wider royal family.
