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.
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Styles a $7,500 Outfit With $100 Sneakers
The actress paired Prada and Celine with her $100 footwear.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Her Makeup Artist Confirmed All Her Royal Wedding Beauty Products
And yes, you can shop them all here.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Prince George Had a Six-Word Message for Prince William to Pass Along to a TV Star During a Recent Royal Engagement
The 11-year-old called the star of a popular U.K. series out.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Kate Middleton Has Been Embracing a Princess Diana-Inspired Wardrobe Change as She Prepares for Her Future Role as Queen
There's some very important symbolism behind the fashion choice, according to a royal style expert.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
How Carole Middleton Might Step Up to Support Princess Kate Following Previous Controversies
"I'm sure the whole family will be wanting to erase the memory of last year's Mother's Day."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The "Impactful" Change Prince William Has Made to Royal Protocol as He "Splits" From King Charles
"It's a model you're likely to see more of," a royal source explained.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Prince William Decided to Eliminate Queen Elizabeth's "No Selfies" Rule Completely
The Prince of Wales has shattered royal protocol when it comes to taking pictures with fans.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate's 2024 Photoshop Controversy Left the Royals Feeling "Bruised" and "Deeply Upset"
"It was like being in the middle of a tornado and not knowing when it was going to calm down."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Kate Reveals Sporty Princess Charlotte’s "Stiff Competition"
The Princess of Wales related to a fellow mom during her St. Patrick's Day appearance.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Have Been Living in a "Nightmare" For Last 5 Years, Per Royal Expert
"That either crushes a marriage, or it brings them together."
By Kristin Contino Published