Prince William Was Trying to Hold In Anger on Commonwealth Day
Who knew posture could say so much?
On Monday, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended Commonwealth Day services alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, marking the last time the Fab Four would be at an event together representing the royal family.
During the bittersweet event, held at London's Westminster Abbey, the couples were seated apart from each other (they didn't enter or walk together either), adding fuel to the fire of rumors that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to leave royal life behind has only furthered the rift between Harry and William.
Following the event, Marie Claire chatted with Patti Wood, body language expert and author of Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma, to get insight into how William and Kate were really feeling at their last outing with Harry and Meghan.
"He's doing a comfort palm, that palm down on his leg, which is comforting and suppressing his emotional state or he's trying to suppress how he's feeling," says Wood about William's posture during the ceremony. "The fist on top of that is an indication that he is suppressing slight amount of anger and if you go all the way up to the mouth, he's doing a lip compression, which also says, 'I'm suppressing my true emotional state.' The furrowed brow that would say, it's anger as well."
As for the Duchess of Cambridge, she felt different from her partner, according to Wood. "There's a slight pursing of the lips and slight sadness in the eye that we see. The pursing of the lips is more like, 'This doesn't taste good to me,' and then the sadness in the eye is "This is sad.'"
William's feelings definitely didn't waver after the ceremony.
"He's got a slight lip suppression, very slight, titled at one side, he has conflicted feelings on trying to hide how he's feeling, but the glare is an angry glare," Wood explains.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
As for Harry, Wood couldn't help but noticing that the Duke looked very tired.
"It looks like he hasn't slept," she commented. "That's what it looks like when a man has come back to barracks or back from the line of battle and that they're just sort of in that dizzy place."
Perhaps it's all the recent "heart-to-hearts" with the Queen, or maybe it's all the transatlantic flights, but it seems likely that Harry and Meghan will look forward to their break.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Bianca Rodriguez is the Audience Development Manager at Future, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Marie Claire, Who What Wear US and Who What Wear UK. In addition to spearheading SEO content across brands—whether writing about wardrobe must-haves or strategizing how to make eye-catching content—she is also an avid reader with a deep love and knowledge for books of all genres. More often than not, you can find her lounging with a good book on the weekend.
-
25 Under-$50 Gifts You Should Scoop Up Immediately Before They Sell Out
Act quickly!
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
Kate Moss's Enviable Personal Style Is Shoppable Now
She teamed up with Zara on an affordable capsule.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
This $10 Product Gives a Shave So Smooth, I'm Convinced I Don't Have Leg Hair
If only you could touch my skin right now.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Royal Expert Says to "Never Underestimate" Princess Kate's Ability to Pull Out a Major "Surprise" During Upcoming Holiday Event
Merry Katemas!
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Didn't Just Move to "Modest" Windsor Home to be Closer to Queen Elizabeth, Royal Expert Says
"There's not a huge amount of space, but Adelaide Cottage ticks all the right boxes."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Just Sent Out Invites to an Intimate Christmas Party He's Hosting Solo
"He appreciates that the festive season can be hard."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Missed Glittering Tiara Reception for First Time in a Decade—But Quietly Carried Out Another Royal Duty
"If she did start returning to major social events, that would lead people to think things are back to normal, which isn't the case."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Andrew Keeps "Allowing Himself to Be Humiliated" Amid Royal Lodge Dispute With King Charles
"It is how it looks: an idle and disgraced Duke swanning around on his horse."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla Pays Tribute to Queen Elizabeth by Wearing Her Rare Aquamarine Ribbon Tiara
The late Queen was photographed wearing the dazzling tiara on just one occasion.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The Christmas Traditions Princess Kate and Prince William Share With Their Kids Every Year
From incorporating the late Queen's favorite tree to attending fun and festive events.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
King Charles Might Snub Prince Andrew This Christmas by Banning Him From Sandringham
Charles reportedly views his brother as a "loose cannon."
By Amy Mackelden Published