Expert Reveals the Meaning Behind Princess Catherine’s ‘Naughty’ Smile at Prince William During the 2025 Six Nations Match

A body language expert has analyzed the playful exchange between Prince William and Princess Catherine at a recent sports event, offering insight into their dynamic. On March 15, 2025, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the Wales vs. England Six Nations match in Cardiff. While the game itself was captivating, it was Princess Catherine’s mischievous smile at her husband that caught attention, prompting an expert’s interpretation of the moment.

Prince William and Princess Catherine at the Principality Stadium after the Six Nations 2025 match between Wales and England in Cardiff, Wales on March 15, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Catherine at the Principality Stadium after the Six Nations 2025 match between Wales and England in Cardiff, Wales on March 15, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

During the game at Principality Stadium, all eyes were on Prince William and Princess Catherine as they shared lively exchanges in the stands.

Dressed in elegant dark-colored ensembles, the couple exuded sophistication, with Prince William adding a pop of color through a striking red scarf. Their playful interactions throughout the match spoke volumes about their dynamic.

As the Wales vs. England Six Nations game unfolded, body language expert Judi James closely analyzed their contrasting demeanors.

“At the start of the game, we saw Kate sitting seriously, even slightly tense, while William was beaming smugly, as though assuming his side would win,” Judi observed.

Princess Catherine and Prince William during the Six Nations game. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Catherine and Prince William during the Six Nations game. | Source: Getty Images

The prince’s confidence was evident in his relaxed posture and frequent interactions with those around him, including handshakes and waves to fans. Meanwhile, the princess appeared more focused, her expressions reflecting a quiet intensity as she watched the match play out.

Princess Catherine and Prince William spotted amid the crowd. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Catherine and Prince William spotted amid the crowd. | Source: Getty Images

As the game progressed and England took control, Catherine’s demeanor shifted. Cameras captured her flashing a “naughty” dimpled smile, a subtle but telling sign of her enjoyment of the friendly rivalry with her husband.

Body language expert Judi James noted that while William maintained his confident, puckered-mouth grins, Catherine’s expressions hinted at playful teasing—perhaps even acknowledging England’s growing lead.

Following England’s dominant 68-14 victory over Wales, Catherine made her way to the locker room to congratulate the players. The England squad later shared a celebratory post on X, featuring a heartwarming group photo of the princess surrounded by the triumphant athletes.

Dressed in their white jerseys, with some still bearing signs of the grueling match, the players gathered around Catherine as she stood at the center, smiling alongside them. “Thank you for joining us today, Your Royal Highness 🌹 @KensingtonRoyal,” the post read.

Like Team England, the Prince and Princess of Wales also took to X after the match—but with a different focus. Their post highlighted the work of Notpla, an Earthshot Prize winner known for its seaweed-based food packaging, which is making waves in the fight against plastic waste.

Accompanying their message were a series of photos from their meeting with the Notpla team at Principality Stadium. In one image, William and Catherine are seen standing on the field alongside company representatives, with the prince and one of the team members holding the biodegradable packaging. Another photo captures the royal couple in deep conversation, further underscoring their commitment to sustainability.

The post emphasized Notpla’s impact, revealing that its eco-friendly packaging debuted at the Six Nations Championship, replacing over 750,000 single-use plastic items across three major stadiums.

Supporting the Rugby Community

Before the highly anticipated Wales vs. England match, the Prince and Princess of Wales also met with individuals supported by the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust—an organization dedicated to assisting injured rugby players.

Accompanying their post were several warm and engaging photos from the visit. In the images, William and Catherine are seated at tables decorated with fresh yellow flowers, chatting with attendees in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Another snapshot captures the couple posing beside a young man, their smiles reflecting the uplifting nature of the meeting. Throughout the visit, they appeared genuinely engaged, reinforcing their ongoing support for the sport and its players.

“A pleasure to meet with players supported by the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust ahead of today’s match in Cardiff,” they captioned their post, including a Welsh translation to honor the region’s strong rugby heritage.

Prince William and Princess Catherine speaking during their meeting with injured players who are supported by the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust in Cardiff, Wales on March 15, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Catherine speaking during their meeting with injured players who are supported by the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust in Cardiff, Wales on March 15, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Rugby has long been a beloved sport in the Prince and Princess of Wales’ household, and their playful rivalry — given their support for opposing teams — has been a lighthearted topic of discussion for some time.

While William has remained loyal to Wales, Catherine proudly supports England. This dynamic often leads to good-natured competition between the royal couple, a theme that was once again on display during their recent outing at the Six Nations match.

Their friendly banter at the game was not the first time their household rugby rivalry had made headlines. The couple previously opened up about how their sons — Prince George and Prince Louis — were also getting in on the action.

2022 social media post spoke about how Catherine revealed that George had been practicing his rugby tackles on her. Meanwhile, Louis developed a fascination with the sport’s accessories — so much so that he had started bringing his referee whistle to his then-nursery school.

The post also mentioned that William humorously acknowledged how rugby has become a major point of excitement within their home, admitting that the sporting rivalry is now “quite the thing in the house,” though he is “trying to stay out of it.”

William’s wife’s deep connection to rugby goes beyond playful household rivalries — it is a role she has embraced with enthusiasm and dedication.

Her love for the sport was further solidified when she officially became Patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union in 2022.

To mark the occasion, the princess took to Instagram via her and William’s shared account to share the news in a dynamic and lighthearted way. The announcement came with a video of Catherine in athletic gear, confidently tossing a rugby ball to professional players.

Princess Catherine tossing a rugby ball to different players in a video montage, posted on February 2, 2022. | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales

Princess Catherine tossing a rugby ball to different players in a video montage, posted on February 2, 2022. | Source: Instagram/princeandprincessofwales

The post’s caption reflected her excitement. “I am so thrilled to become Patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union – two fantastic organisations [sic] who are committed to harnessing the power that sport can have in bringing communities together and helping individuals flourish,” she expressed.

Catherine continued, “I look forward to working with them across all levels of the games, and to cheering England on in what promises to be an exciting year for both sports! C.”

Since stepping into this role, Catherine has been a visible and engaged supporter of English rugby, attending major matches, promoting youth participation, and championing the sport’s positive impact on communities.

Her recent presence at the Six Nations game, combined with the couple’s well-documented competitive banter, is a testament to how rugby remains a passionate and unifying force within their family.

The analyzed interactions exchanged between Catherine and William at the rugby game follow Judi’s analysis of their behavior toward one another at a different event.

The expert assessed the royal couple’s interactions during the Commonwealth Day Service, where they were seen smiling and laughing, exuding a relaxed and joyful demeanor.

Prince William and Princess Catherine attend the annual Commonwealth Day service ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London, England on March 10, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Catherine attend the annual Commonwealth Day service ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London, England on March 10, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

short video shared on TikTok by Daily Mail Royals captured William whispering something to Catherine, prompting her to smile instantly.

Another post on X highlighted a similar interaction, with a fan describing it as “flirting in public.” His playful gesture visibly delighted Catherine as they stood among other attendees.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are pictured smiling during their presence at the annual Commonwealth Day Service Ceremony. | Source: Getty Images

The Prince and Princess of Wales are pictured smiling during their presence at the annual Commonwealth Day Service Ceremony. | Source: Getty Images

Judi provided insight into their interactions, noting a shift in their usual dynamic. Speaking to Mirror, she explained, “William and Kate made the body language transition from ‘unison’ behaviours to mirrored, ‘free movement’ behaviours at this formal royal event [sic].”

She observed that following Catherine’s illness, the couple had been “extra tactile and totally connected” in their recent public appearances, often using “touches, glances or mimed hugs to move together coupled up like ice skaters or ballroom dancers.”

Princess Catherine and Prince William arriving for the event. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Catherine and Prince William arriving for the event. | Source: Getty Images

However, during this event, they adopted a more traditional regal stance while still moving in “synchronised [sic], mirrored unity.”

The expert further explained that their behavior suggested a “more relaxed approach with no need to check or employ tie-signs [sic],” signaling that they were in strong form for the occasion. While they entered the event slightly apart, their body language reflected “renewed energy and positivity.”

Princess Catherine and Prince William. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Catherine and Prince William. | Source: Getty Images

Judi also analyzed the Prince of Wales’ expressions, stating, “William’s beaming smile projected ongoing pride in his wife,” while noting that he avoided the usual “steering pats and touches that can imply she has some need of support and encouragement.”

Prince William and Princess Catherine attend the 2025 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Catherine attend the 2025 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey. | Source: Getty Images

She described his “body-scrunched pose and his very youthful smile with eye crinkling and a peek of the front teeth through his lips in response to Kate’s lean and playful smile,” suggesting “a bit of a bashful crush is still going on in their relationship.”

Prince William and Princess Catherine smiling and laughing. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Catherine smiling and laughing. | Source: Getty Images

Prince William and Princess Catherine’s presence at the event not only highlighted their close bond but also shed light on their prominence within the royal family.