A body language expert claimed that Prince Harry‘s interest appears to have impacted Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s confidence. This was observed during the Waleses’ visit to Headingley Rugby Stadium, where they learned more about the rhinos and the Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s latest initiative.
Expert interpreted the couple’s Leeds outing amid renewed attention on Prince Harry
In a conversation with The Mirror US, body language expert Judi James said there was a “hard kernel” of projected professionalism and genuine enjoyment in Prince William and Kate Middleton’s behavior during their latest official engagement. She noted how the Waleses, like every time, made the meeting about others rather than themselves.
“But there are also some gestures that suggest the increase in pressure or maybe the increase in Harry-based interest might be taking its toll in terms of their levels of inner anxiety or confidence,” James continued. She added that William’s displayed responses were upbeat, playful, and even joyful. She also noted that the puckering of the muscles around his mouth and rounded, raised cheeks suggested his high energy during the chats.
“But William’s key tell in terms of feelings of vulnerability is the hand placed at the waist or over the stomach. Here he is seen not just performing this gesture, but here the fingers are splayed, and he is holding onto the end of his tie with them, too,” she added, referring to a key detail she found unusual for the future king.
James further noted how Middleton‘s hand gestures are a “tie-sign” to her husband, indicating their soft power during the appearance. “When she’s acting as leader, she will walk ahead with her arms often hanging down at her sides. Here, though, she allows William to be ahead, even posing behind him in the group photo, and she holds her hands in front of her torso, touching them together at the fingers or fingertips,” she added.
While James noted that Middleton’s arms at her sides conveyed confidence, her finger-touching hand clasp gesture suggested anxiety.
