Kate Middleton and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, appear to share a close tie. A body language expert said that their gestures at their most recent public appearance offered a glimpse into that relationship.

Speaking to the Mirror, Judi James noted that the two senior members of the British Royal Family shared and enjoyed an embrace earlier this week. She claimed that this provided “clues” as to how things are well between them, adding that they seem to have a “warm bond.”

The expert continued that the Countess of Wessex’s greeting to the Duchess of Cambridge seemingly “defines her as the best auntie.” Based on her observations, she believes that this has become more apparent when the royal went out of her way “to hug and welcome” the Cambridges as they took their seats at the venue.

Prince William and Kate Middleton reunited with Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday. They watched the swimming event at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

Hello! magazine noted that the future King and Queen Consort’s attendance marked their first appearance at the Games. As for the Wessex pair, it was said that they have been attending various events throughout the tournament since it commenced on Thursday.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made the appearance, along with their only daughter, while the Earl and Countess of Wessex were with their two children.

Meanwhile, Judi James’s analyses did not stop at the “lingering embrace” between Kate Middleton and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. She also discussed how the two royals showed their “warmth and rapport” toward each other at the event.

The body language expert pointed out that the Countess of Wessex threw both of her arms around the Duchess of Cambridge’s torsi. She also said that the former gave the latter a pat on the back “in an add-on ritual or extra bonding and reassurance as [they] cheek-kiss.”

The Mirror later quoted James, asserting, “... Sophie is left as the only royal wife of that generation and her body language here provides some clues that she and Edward might go out of their way to breach that emotional gap in the family when it comes to support and open-armed affection for [Prince] William and Kate [Middleton] and their children.”

Judi James made similar analyses earlier in June. She told Express UK that Sophie, Countess of Wessex, “was the one going out on visits projecting an air of calm confidence and stability” amid all the rifts and scandals.

The expert continued that Queen Elizabeth and Kate Middleton “behave in a way that suggests they both like… and trust” the Countess of Wessex.