Camilla's support for Charles at Prince Philip's funeral: 'Used in the early days after their relationship went public'

Camilla supported Prince Charles at Prince Philip's funeral, standing by his side at the St George's Chapel service while he was "overcome by grief".

Body language expert Judi James told Express the Prince of Wales' tears appeared to "flow throughout the service," prompted by a "lifetime spent masking" his emotions.

Commenting on the Duchess of Cornwall's subtle show of support for her husband, James says there was a telling gesture.

RELATED: 12 of the most moving photos from Prince Philip's funeral

"[She was] seen using the same comforting hand-pat that she often used to use in the early days after their relationship went public, showing the same supportive and almost maternal traits that seemed to bind them as a couple before their marriage," she said.

Thirty guests were allowed to attend the socially-distanced funeral due to coronavirus restrictions.

The Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9, two months shy of his 100th birthday.

RELATED: The image from Prince Philip's funeral that broke hearts around the world

Camilla wore a sweet nod to Prince Charles, sporting a sentimental brooch that referenced her position as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles.

The duchess assumed the role, previously held by Prince Philip, last year.

RELATED: Queen's last-minute change of protocol in funeral procession

The brooch is in the shape of an anchor, encrusted with diamonds, three emeralds and a crown fixture at the top.

Following the service, many members of the royal family removed their face masks, which James claims "suddenly showed their more openly emotional side."

The Queen sat alone as she mourned the loss of her husband of 73 years.

RELATED: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's royal love story, 73 years in the making

James said the death of his father means Charles will "slip into" the role of the Queen's consort.

"He has lost the kind of wise and helpful presence he might need to help his mother take the Firm through any looming problems in the years to come."

Among the 30 guests invited to the low-key funeral were the Queen's children, grandchildren and other relatives, as well as three of Philip's German relatives and his close friend, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma.

The Queen's four children walked behind Philip's coffin, which was carried by a Land Rover Defender he helped design over a period of 16 years.

The vehicle was also followed by the duke's grandsons Prince Harry, Prince William and Peter Phillips, along with Princess Anne's husband Vice Admiral Tim Laurence and the Queen's nephew the Earl of Snowdon.