The Princess of Wales and Prince William played pivotal roles at the Coronation of King Charles, and a professional lip reader has shared the four-word caution Kate appeared to give William ahead of the ceremony at Westminster Abbey
Jane Lavender and Jennifer Newton Royal Features Writer
07:00, 24 Apr 2026
The Prince and Princess of Wales(Image: PA)
The Princess of Wales and her loved ones have had an eventful 12 months.
Having finished her cancer treatment, Kate Middleton and her family relocated from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor last year as she gradually resumes her complete schedule of royal engagements.
However, in May 2023, the Royal Family was gearing up for one of the most important and historic occasions in modern times – the Coronation of King Charles.
The landmark event demanded months of careful preparation to guarantee a seamless celebration.
While Charles and Queen Camilla were the principal figures, the Prince and Princess of Wales were equally integral to proceedings on that historic day last May, with both deeply committed to ensuring the Coronation ran without incident.
Kate arrives to the Coronation with Prince William(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A lip reader has disclosed that Kate delivered a worried four-word warning to Prince William before the ceremony to avoid any possible problems.
This took place as the pair entered Westminster Abbey with their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, participating in the procession that came before King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation.
Both wore ceremonial robes, with Kate dressed in her impressive Royal Victorian Order mantle and William in his Order of the Garter mantle.
Footage showed the moment the pair positioned themselves ready for the procession to begin, with William and Kate spotted speaking to one another.
Kate arrived with Charlotte and Louis (Image: PA)
It appears the princess voiced a worry to her husband before they began the extended procession into the Abbey.
Professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the Daily Star that Kate turned to William and said “Just mind the gown”.
He suggests the future monarch replied with reassurance, stating: “Don’t worry I got [or caught] it.”
Fortunately, the Coronation service proceeded smoothly, with no complications stemming from the ceremonial robes during the walk.
Nevertheless, when the official Coronation photographs were released, one unusual feature on Kate’s ensemble sent Royal fans into a frenzy.
Her robe predominantly covered her stunning Alexander McQueen gown, though she chose to take off the mantle for the official portraits.
The Prince and Princess of Wales visit the Fabal Beerhall at the Bermondsey Beer Mile in London(Image: PA)
However, eagle-eyed Royal watchers noticed that the V-shaped neckline of the dress in the official photograph appeared distinct from the round neck visible at the Abbey.
This triggered online speculation that the princess may have commissioned two dresses, despite the embroidery on the skirt staying identical.
The puzzle regarding the dress’s neckline appears to have been resolved, and it might all come down to an extra garment. Royal commentator and expert Alastair Bruce, speaking on Sky News, revealed that Kate donned an additional cape atop her gown to protect it from the substantial mantle and chains she was obliged to wear.
It seems that when posing for the official Coronation photographs, Kate discarded the cape, revealing the elaborate V-shaped neckline, which perfectly showcased the George VI Festoon necklace, presented to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1950.
The McQueen gown was fashioned from ivory silk crepe, decorated with silver bullion and threadwork embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs, representing the four nations.
Her outfit was completed with a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece, adorned with silver bullion, crystal and silver threadwork three-dimensional leaf embroidery.