Prince William joined his father, Prince Charles, and stepmother Camilla Parker Bowles at the State Opening of Parliament Tuesday. Body language expert Judi James weighed in on the Duke of Cambridge's emotions at the event.
Prince William Was Allegedly 'Sad And Regretful' At The State Opening Of Parliament
Kate Middleton's husband was among the senior royals who represented Queen Elizabeth II at the State Opening of Parliament Tuesday after she decided to pull out from the event. It was the first time the 96-year-old monarch had decided to skip the event for over 50 years.
Body language expert Judi James noticed that the second in line to the throne looked "sad and regretful." She also added that he was almost invisible.
"William was almost the invisible man here. Tugging at his waistcoat on arrival he then appeared to keep his hands clasped in the fig-leaf position in front of his torso for the entire event, only placing them on his lap once he sat down," James told Mirror.
"He walked with his hands clasped like this, suggesting a lowering of his own status and presence. His facial expression suggested sadness and regret."
He noted that the Duke of Cambridge politely smiled, but the said gesture was "down-turned" with he sucked his lips which suggested the idea of "sadness." In addition, his frown and down-turned eyes gave him a "very somber" impression.
Prince William's Father, Prince Charles, Was Also Somber And Nervous
James also examined the Prince of Wales' body language. According to her, upon arrival, Prince Charles' body language suggested "a desire to imply control" and "leadership." He was even seen talking to his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, and gesturing something at her. However, things changed when they entered.
"He became more somber and there were some undeniable signs of nerves as he took the walk to the throne room," James said about the heir apparent in a separate report from Mirror. "He took a deep breath on the way in and performed a jaw-jut and sideways wobble as though bracing himself. As he arrived at the archway to the throne rooms his head suddenly jerked up to either look at the arch or the throne."
James also noted how Prince Charles was preoccupied while gazing at the throne in front of him. Prince Charles might have remembered his mom, who missed the event.
"Of course, the most powerful presence at this State Opening of Parliament was always going to be the missing one," the expert continued.
"Even with the Queen’s throne removed the gap left looked poignant and as Charles lowered himself onto what is called the Consort Throne and William squashed himself onto the smaller throne a few steps down, Charles appeared preoccupied with the crown that sat in front of him, gazing at it for several moments before he was given the speech to read."
James noted that Prince Charles' nervousness was apparent when he read the Queen's message because his hands shook. She also noticed that Camilla was sending signals of anxiety, which may have escalated the Prince of Wales' nerves when he read the Queen's speech.
Stay tuned for more news and updates about the royal family.
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