The Prince of Wales made a “telling” and “confirmational gesture” towards his wife, the Princess of Wales, today in what has been described as a “priority ritual” by a body language expert.
Princess Kate and Prince William stepped out in London to greet the Amir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani in what was the first time they since the princess’s cancer diagnosis was announced earlier this year.
The royal couple greeted the Qatari royals at their hotel earlier in the day, then travelled with them to Horse Guards parade for the official ceremonial welcome before heading to Buckingham Palace for a private lunch alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla.
During the ceremonial welcome, William was pictured affectionately placing his hand on his wife’s back when she joined him at the dais and offering King Charles a deep curtsy before the five of them greeted officials in the lineup.
Now a body language expert analysed Kate and William’s appearance and stressed how the future King wanted to send a recurring signal to Kate and the world that his wife has got his “undivided attention”.
Expert Judi James told Express.co.uk: “This hand-to-shoulder gesture is not primarily a signal of concern from William but more one of ensuring Kate and even the world know she has his undivided attention and sole focus, despite the royal state visit and all the dignitaries they are meeting and hosting.
“It’s a priority ritual and one that will be like a stroke to both her royal status and to her sense of being the most important person in his life.
“He offers it with another telling, confirmational gesture, which is the head-cock.”
The body language expert added: “As she speaks, he also lets her know that she has his full attention.
“He’s prioritising his wife here, and in Royal Family terms this is a rare ritual.
“Royal couples rarely pay too much attention to each other in public, especially at state events like this.
“Which makes it an even more impressively romantic signal from the prince.”
