How Princess Kate "Nudges" Prince Louis Into Being Calm "Without Appearing to Tell Him Off," According to a Body Language Expert
She's got tons of parenting tricks.
The bulk of Princess Kate's work as a royal revolves around early years development—something she's done in parallel with parenting young children.
As a parent and a campaigner, the Princess of Wales has therefore developed a ton of effective tricks for ensuring her children don't move around too much during solemn official events—especially the cheeky (and youngest) Prince Louis.
Explaining how she does it, body language expert Judi James told Express that Kate "tends to project calm at some of the most nerve-wracking royal events," which in turn may help five-year-old Louis stay calm as well.
Commenting on Prince Louis' latest appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, at the Coronation, James said, "Kate seems to be adept at using calming touch rituals to nudge Louis into being less playful when necessary but without appearing to tell him off."
While this can be an effective method to a point, James warns it can also "lead to an escalation to tears or even tantrums." Thankfully for the mom of three, that didn't happen on May 6.
Instead, Kate remained connected to her youngest son with "small, regular tie-signs like the back touching [which] allowed Prince Louis to feel quite free but also reminded him to keep calm."
For the expert, the Waleses' short affectionate touches are combined "with reward touches, patting or stroking heads too when their children have been particularly well behaved."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
James believes this is a positive strategy: "Encouraging good behavior is often a more effective motivator than reprimanding any naughtiness," she said.
And besides, Louis' older sister Princess Charlotte is usually on hand to make sure he follows royal protocol as well. These kids are too cute.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Sabrina Carpenter and Her $375 Aritzia Coat Party Until 2 A.M.
The pop star paired her metallic gold mini dress with a surprisingly affordable coat.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Rihanna Unleashes the Millennial Starter Pack
You can take the girl out of 2014, but you can't take 2014 out of the girl.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Michelle Yeoh Felt "Like Such a Failure" for Not Being Able to Have Children
She got really vulnerable during a recent radio appearance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Queen Camilla Relies on Her Six Companions to Help With a Potentially Embarrassing Task
The new ladies-in-waiting maintain The Queen's privacy and stop fans from acquiring "souvenirs."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate and Prince William's "Undeniably Sexy" Secret Romance Seems to Be "Aging Backwards"
"You see from their body language what looks like a 'Benjamin Button' love affair."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Takes the Lead on an Ordinary Household Task That Leaves Prince William Clueless
"I have no idea what I'm doing."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle's $6,050 Pendant Pays Tribute to Her "Angels" Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
The engraved necklace features an adorable reference to the Duchess of Sussex's children.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Was Booed by Protestors at Ulster University in Belfast
Video footage shows the Prince of Wales being heckled during his visit to Northern Ireland.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla Has Helped King Charles "Loosen Up," But He Appears "Tense" Without Her
"He was quite a nervous man... Camilla has been a catalyst for change."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Denzel Washington Says He "Makes His Own Rules" When Told to Meet King Charles at 'Gladiator II' Premiere
"I didn't know if I was supposed to grab you or not."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Expected to Make a Major Public Appearance This December
Happy holidays!
By Kristin Contino Published