The footage has resurfaced at a particularly difficult time for the York sisters as they continue to deal with the fallout from the Epstein scandal.

The moment occurred during the 2023 Royal Ascot carriage procession, where Catherine, 44, and Beatrice, 37, were seated opposite one another. They were joined by their husbands, Prince William and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, both 43.

Although both women smiled and waved to the crowd gathered at the Berkshire racecourse, expert Judi James believes their body language suggested a less relaxed dynamic.

Body language hints at tension

According to James, their posture during the carriage ride reflected unease rather than comfort.

“They (Kate and Beatrice) sit locked in poses of mutual tension here, with both pairs of hands clasped tightly in their laps, and their torsos hunched forward in a mirrored self-diminishing ritual that hints at low levels of inner confidence,” she told the Mail.

James also noted that despite sitting directly across from each other, the two women did not appear to make eye contact during the procession. Instead, both focused their attention outward toward the crowd.

The moment seemed to become more awkward once the carriage ride ended.

A strained interaction after the procession

After stepping down from the carriage, Catherine briefly turned back toward Beatrice, a gesture the expert interpreted as a delayed acknowledgment.

However, Beatrice appeared to continue walking without engaging.

“She looks down and strides out as though keen to walk ahead of Kate,” James explained.

Shortly afterward, Catherine seemed to attempt a short conversation with her cousin-in-law while they were walking.

The expert suggested the Princess of Wales may have been trying to create a friendly moment or lighten the atmosphere in front of the public.

Beatrice, however, appeared focused on moving forward rather than pausing for conversation.

“This suggests that either Beatrice had the expectation of being left alone or that that would have been what she preferred,” James said.

“She does look up as Kate speaks to her but her stride still appears strong as though her intent is to go on ahead.”

Renewed attention amid family turmoil

The resurfaced footage has gained attention again as Beatrice and her younger sister, Princess Eugenie, face growing challenges connected to the scandal involving their parents.

Reports claim the sisters have been told they will not attend Royal Ascot this year — the same event where the awkward interaction took place.

“I’ve spoken to my friend who works at Ascot and they said the girls have been told they can’t be there this year,” a source told the Daily Mail.

“Beatrice has taken it the hardest. She’s been completely blindsided by all of this.”

Royal family distancing themselves

Prince William is also said to have encouraged members of the Royal Family to avoid appearing in photographs with Beatrice and Eugenie for the remainder of the year.

The sisters have been dealing with intense scrutiny following the release of the Epstein Files, which detailed connections between their parents and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The revelations contributed to the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

According to Hello! magazine’s royal editor Emily Nash, the controversy has complicated relationships within the royal household.

“Kate has been a central member of the Royal Family for 15 years now and knows them all well, but like William, she is very aware of public opinion and the risk that this scandal poses to the monarchy’s reputation,” Nash explained.

“They will understandably want to distance themselves as much as possible from it.”