Kate Middleton has “stepped up” since the death of the Queen and showed ‘consistent confidence’ on a recent Royal engagement, a body language expert said. The Princess of Wales, 41, was “confident, open and honest” on her solo trip to a Royal Navy air base in Somerset this week and left all who met her in ‘absolute awe’, Darren Stanton added. Darren said it made no difference that she went on the visit alone - without Prince William - as she seemed to be “enjoying every moment” - which was a sign of her evolving independence.