Royal Ascot once again delivered a spectacular display of elegant fashion, thrilling horse races, and, of course, rare glimpses of the royal family. Among the highlights was a heartwarming moment that sparked talk of secret support—the increasingly close bond between Carole Middleton, mother of the Princess of Wales, and her daughter-in-law, Alizée Thevenet.
Their visible connection has raised intriguing questions about the secret support Alizée could quietly provide to Princess Kate as she moves closer to her future role as Queen.
In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, Dr. Arthur Cassidy, Royal Commentator and Celebrity Psychologist, as well as a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society, shared deep insights into the growing relationship between the two women.
“As psychologists, we understand that first impressions play a crucial role in forming bonds—especially between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law,” Dr. Cassidy explained to HELLO!.
He pointed out that when a son, like James Middleton, introduces his lifelong partner to the family, that moment of first impression often shapes the path of acceptance and deeper familial integration.
“These first impressions are always at the forefront of Carole’s presence at both royal and private family gatherings,” Dr. Cassidy added. “She consistently presents herself with elegance and subtle sophistication. That initial perception has a strong influence on how she interacts with Alizée, laying the foundation for future high-profile and intimate family moments.”
According to Dr. Cassidy, Alizée Thevenet’s body language suggests “a clear sense of positivity and optimism,” showing how she—and also Michael, Catherine, Pippa, and James—are embracing Alizée into a new chapter of family harmony and cohesion.
“Carole shows remarkable flexibility and adaptability, which are core traits that help her lead the family into a deeper sense of trust, emotional resilience, and mutual affection,” he explained.
Subtle Signs of Secret Support at Ascot
While watching the races together from their box, Dr. Cassidy noticed how Alizée’s facial expressions radiated “natural warmth, paired with a lowered gaze focused on the scene below.”
“Her eye contact reflects genuine interest and perfectly aligns with her bright, open smile. It’s further enhanced by her poised posture and confident neck position,” he noted.
The psychologist went on to explain that this downward gaze typically signals deference toward the person beside her—in this case, Carole Middleton. He added:
“Alizée demonstrates an understanding of mutual respect and harmony between two influential women. This kind of emotional awareness and synchrony gives her quiet strength and positions her as a potential secret support figure in the family.”
Support Behind the Scenes for Future Queen Kate
Dr. Cassidy believes that Alizée is gradually learning how to navigate her role within the Middleton family. Through these subtle gestures and her emotional intelligence, she may become a source of strength, hope, and quiet reinforcement for the future Queen, Princess Kate.
Emotional Awareness Within the Family
Reflecting on a recent balcony photograph, Dr. Cassidy highlighted a telling expression on Carole Middleton’s face—a “semi-closed lip smile or a turned-away glance,” which he interpreted as a concealed emotional response.
“It’s possible she was thinking of her daughter Princess Kate’s absence,” he shared.
Dr. Cassidy concluded that Carole is fully aware of Kate’s slow recovery and is deeply sensitive to the emotional challenges involved—offering yet another layer of secret support within the Middleton family dynamic.