STANDING FIRM
Prince William’s ‘barrier ritual’ shows he feels pressure at Commonwealth event without Kate, says body language pro
Kate was seen in the car with William just moments before his arrival
PRINCE William made a 'barrier ritual' as he arrived at today's Commonwealth Day Service without his wife, a body language expert has said, suggesting that he feels pressure without her.
Princess Kate was spotted with her husband in the back of a black Land Rover just moments before William's arrival but was said to be attending a "private appointment" instead of the service.
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Speaking to Fabulous, body language expert Judi James said that the grin on William's face did not look "authentic", as he arrived at the event.
She said: "William arrived looking so solitary and newly-slimmer with his grin fixed firmly in place, although he was straightening his tie with one hand, which formed a barrier-excuse ritual, meaning the slight feeling of self-protection that comes from lifting the arm up in front of the body during moments of pressure."
Judi explained that carrying out this ritual can make people feel safer.
"It creates a bit of a barrier from the world", she said.
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Judi Continued: "William's smile doesn’t look congruent or authentic, with an over-lifting of the top lip suggesting effort rather than spontaneity."
Today's event was the first time the royals had been seen since Kate sparked an online storm when she shared a Photoshopped family snap to celebrate Mother's Day.
She was then forced to apologise after admitting she had "experimented with editing".
Judi said that when the royals met up together in the hallway of Westminster Abbey, they showed a desire to "project fondness" and mutual support" for each other.
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She said: "The main signals of support came from William to Camilla, who had shown several signs of nervousness on her rather lonely arrival, from her anxious smile to her rigid and raised shoulders that signalled muscle tension.
"William had signalled confidence and authority standing with Anne, Edward and Sophie.
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"Kissing his uncle Edward on either cheek he patted and squeezed his arm in a display of affection before standing with his legs splayed and rising up and down on his heels.
"It was William who quickly broke off from the group to welcome Camilla with an emphatic show of affection and support.
Prince William's attendance at the Commonwealth service comes as
- Princess Kate apologises for “confusion” caused by inconsistencies in family image
- Piers Morgan calls for the Palace to share the unedited photo to quell internet sleuths
- Kate’s uncle Gary Goldsmith gives his verdict on Mother’s Day picture as he speaks out after CBB eviction
- Photo agencies release ‘kill notice’ on Princess Kate’s Mother’s Day picture
- Twitter’s warning over Princess Kate photo inconsistencies
- King Charles releases video message saying he’ll ‘continue to serve you, to the best of my ability’ amid cancer battle
- Princess Kate is pictured with Prince William leaving Windsor Castle this afternoon in a black Land Rover
- Prince William brushes off Kate’s Photoshop drama as he arrives for Commonwealth Day celebration without his wife
"He began with an eyebrow-flash of greeting and a ‘hello’ then reached an arm out to clutch her shoulder before bending to kiss her on either cheek.
"She held his arm in a reciprocal gesture and both retained the warm clutch for a second longer than normal."
As well as his daughter-in-, in law, King Charles was also not in attendance at the event, as he continues his cancer treatment.
In a pre-recorded video message played at the event, Charles said:
“Having recently celebrated my own 75th birthday, it warms my heart to reflect on the way the Commonwealth has been a constant throughout my own life — a precious source of strength, inspiration and pride.
“In recent weeks, I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth."
The Princess of Wales has not attended any royal engagements since she had planned abdominal surgery back in January.
At the time of the operation, Kensington Palace said that she was unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.
A statement from the palace read: "The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements.
"She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible."
Despite this, rumours and conspiracy theories about the Princess of Wales' health have been swirling online.
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The rumours have been described as "utter madness" by palace aides.
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