Prince William is 'feeling quietly positive about Kate's recovery' after Princess of Wales 'took the lead' in couple's congratulatory Team GB message, body language expert claims

Prince William is feeling 'quietly positive about the Princess of Wales' recovery' after Kate Middleton 'took the lead' in their congratulatory message to Team GB, a body language has claimed.

The royal couple, both 42, appeared a star-studded video message to British Olympians last night as the sporting event came to a close in Paris.

After being introduced by US rapper Snoop Dogg, the Princess of Wales - who was dressed in a striped Ralph Lauren t-shirt - told athletes: 'Congratulations to Team GB.'

The Prince of Wales - who was wearing a Team GB jersey and sporting some stubble - added: 'Well done on all you've achieved, you've been an inspiration to us all.'

Analysing the sweet interaction, body language expert Judi James highlighted the Princess' confidence in front of the camera.

Pictured: the Prince and Princess of Wales sent this congratulatory message to Team GB last night

Speaking to Femail, the expert explained: 'Kate’s not hiding behind her husband or using him as a rock or a prop. 

'The couple sit close but it is Kate at the front of this pose, with William’s shoulder just behind hers, and it’s Kate leading the message, speaking first using animated gesticulation while William waits his turn. 

'Kate’s pitch-perfect, symmetric smile is back and her brows raise to register her personal pride in the GB Team. 

'William’s facial expression beside her suggests pride in his wife as well as the Olympic team, as he performs a puckered smile with his lips closed.

'When it’s his turn to speak he tilts his head up and raises one eyebrow in another signal of machismo but this is very much Kate’s show here and William looks mightily pleased to see that, with his wife beside him again in public.

As such, the expert said William hinted that he is feeling 'quietly positive and encouraging' about his wife's recovery.

What's more, the expert also noted how William's facial hair in the video was a 'symbolic of the way [of showing] he is currently dedicating himself and his time to his family'.

Judi added: 'The beard is a symbol of masculinity and physical strength but it is also a gesture that announces ‘I’m off-duty’ for men like William whose work look is normally clean-shaven.' 

After being introduced by US rapper Snoop Dogg , the Princess of Wales - who was dressed in a striped Ralph Lauren t-shirt - told athletes: 'Congratulations to Team GB'

In March, the Princess of Wales announced in an emotional video message that she is receiving cancer treatment and has dramatically reduced her public appearances.

In June, Kate attended the Trooping the Colour celebrations in London and recently watched the Wimbledon men's singles final with Princess Charlotte.

Kate and William's beaming video came shortly after a heartfelt statement from King Charles III, in which he called all Olympians 'an inspiration'.

The monarch congratulated their 'outstanding successes' and singled out their 'raw talent, true grit and hard toil' in the message, which came just hours before the final moments of the Olympic Games in the French capital.

In the viral video, which has already received more than 450,000 likes, former England captain and football icon David Beckham also gave a message of support.

Pictured: The Princess of Wales announced in an emotional video message that she was receiving cancer treatment in March

The Princess of Wales made her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis at the Trooping the Colour in June

Last month, the Princess of Wales attended the Wimbledon men's singles final in London with Princess Charlotte

He said: 'Hey Team GB, we are so proud of you, congratulations.'

Broadcaster Gabby Logan said: 'You have been amazing. Thank you so much for everything. These memories will last a very long time.'

Retired American sprinter and broadcaster Michael Johnson wryly said: 'Great job Team GB, you did a great job, not quite as good as us in the US, but well done.'

Former Welsh athlete Colin Jackson beamed with delight as he told the Olympians: 'You smashed it.'

Broadcaster Emma Willis said it had been 'sensational to watch you over the last couple of weeks.'

Swimmer Rebecca Adlington had huge praise for Team GB. She said: 'Your performances have been absolutely fantastic.'

Former jockey and presenter Clare Balding said: 'I know how much you have lifted the nation and I just want to say thank you for that.'

American rapper Snoop Dogg, who has been a popular presence at the Olympics this year as a special guest presenter for US broadcaster NBC, rounded off the video.

With his usual trademark smile and informal personality, he said: 'Thank you Great Britain. On behalf of Snoop Dogg, the Prince and his lovely wife,' before clasping his hands together and bowing his head.