A body language expert has revealed Kate Middleton's hidden message of 'victory' in her latest picture, taken by her son Prince Louis.

The photo, issued by Kensington Palace to mark World Cancer Day tomorrow, shows the royal mother-of-three standing in the forest with her arms out wide, weeks after she revealed she is in 'remission' following her cancer battle.

It was taken by her six-year-old son, Prince Louis, who appears to have inherited his mother's love of photography.

A second image taken by the princess herself was also issued.

It was accompanied by a personal message from Kate, reading: 'Don't forget to nurture all that which lies beyond the disease. C #WorldCancerDay.'

Analysing the photo, UK-based body language expert Judi James said the triumphant snap was a 'message of victory' after having completed chemotherapy as the Princess signalled 'freedom' with the powerful pose.

The princess has repeatedly emphasised that spending time in nature during her own cancer journey has been extremely important for her physical and mental health, which is reflected in both images.

The image taken by Louis shows Kate smiling joyfully, her arms outstretched during a walk in the woods over the winter. 

She explained: 'Kate has been taking a very firm and focused approach to her messaging since her initial diagnosis, so this new photo should be seen as an update in terms of her personal mood and her projected motivational tone to others on World Cancer Day.

'Kate’s pose is also a message of strength and a sense of victory, which on World Cancer Day, projects an expression of optimism, no matter what the prognosis.'

She continued that Kate's gestures also suggest that she feels victorious over her cancer and feels free in nature - a common theme throughout her recovery.  

'Kate’s legs are splayed astride a huge set of logs and her arms are fully splayed too, ' Judi explained. 

'This double-splay suggests peak confidence and a sense of spirit and freedom. Her very natural smile at the camera shows resilience and a sense of victory. It looks almost like a semaphore signal or at least the start of one.

'Kate retains the theme she has used since her illness was first diagnosed of being surrounded by woodland and nature. She seems to imply this is where she draws her strength from and she shares this trait with King Charles. We saw her previous update videos where she was alone in the woods, adopting more reflective poses, but this one looks very much like an ‘I’m back!’ start of a return.'

In the picture she is wearing a peaked hat, scarf, overcoat and mittens with grey jeans tucked into knee-length boots. 

Frost covers the ferns and sunlight peaks through the bare trees.

The second image, taken by Kate, is a close up of the ferns with her own personal message.

In July the Princess issued a statement in which she talked about 'healing power' of nature, emphasising the strength she has taken from the outdoors world.

In September, sources close to Kate also talked about how she 'has drawn strength from her family and loved ones and from spending time on things which bring her joy.'

They said these elements, plus 'the sanctuary she has found in the natural world' were all strongly represented in an astonishingly intimate video also released of the Princess with her family in Norfolk.

Kate is continuing to make a gradual return to royal duties after completing her cancer treatment last summer.

She carried out three royal engagements last week, but the events are not thought to indicate the princess is fully back to work.

The Princess announced the end of her chemotherapy treatment last September in an emotional three-minute video. 

Prince Louis was seen boldly climbing a tree as his mother watched from the ground. 

She said: 'As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.

'The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family.

'Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.

'The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.

'With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.

'This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. '

Prince Louis has long been known for his cheeky antics during engagements - most notably at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, when he was spotted making a series of cheeky expressions and even putting his hands over his ears during the RAF's flypast. 

Last Christmas, when after the royals attended their traditional Christmas Day church service,  Prince William light-heartedly warned a member of the public not to give his youngest son chocolates.