King Charles has displayed an incredible increase in confidence two years on from his Coronation, claims a body language expert. It comes as footage was analysed when the King and Queen Camilla visited the National Portrait Gallery to unveil new portraits of themselves earlier this week.
According to body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, the day showed the monarch as being “totally confident and at ease”. He explained: “I don’t think I have ever seen King Charles so relaxed. I don’t know whether it is something he has gained since becoming King or whether he is just becoming more assured in his old age, but I don’t think I have ever seen him so calm.
“He used to come off as very introverted and slightly nervous. You would see a lot of self-soothing gestures, rubbing his hands and fiddling with his rings.”
He further added: “Now he really seems to enjoy being out and meeting the public. His entire face is engaged when he smiles, his movements are loose and flowing, his body is open and receptive. He is showing all the signs of someone who is totally confident and at ease.”
The body language expert also revealed the “main change” in King Charles’s since ascending the throne, adding: “He is just the picture of confidence and calm nowadays.”
The grand unveiling at the National Gallery comes exactly two years since the King and Queen’s Coronation, which took place on May 6, 2023. Unveiling the works by the artists Peter Kuhfeld who painted Charles, and Paul S. Benney who depicted Camilla, the King praised the “wonderful composition” of his portrait while Camilla said of hers: “I just love it.”
They will form part of a long tradition of Coronation portraits dating back centuries, with the earliest known example being a painting of James VI and I by Paul van Somer, which hangs at Windsor Castle.
After unveiling the paintings in the central hall and posing for pictures with the artists, Charles and Camilla spoke with Kuhfeld and Benney, who were personally chosen by the King and Queen.
Queen Camilla on the day, stunned in a red ensemble. The body language expert also added how the Queen was trying to “make a bold statement”.
He said: “The first thing that I noticed is that Camilla chose to wear red. This is usually the decision of someone trying to make a bold statement, I call them ‘superhero colours’. Camilla has always been good at picking the right colour for the occasion. Her outfit showed her to be strong and confident.”