Here's what the body language of the royal couples reveals about the underlying dynamics of their relationship.
It is said that 70% of all communication is non-verbal. Considering that both Prince Harry and Prince William have married outside the royal circle, the public's fascination for them has grown over the years. And being two of the most photographed couples also has many body-language experts giving us a sneak-peak into the underlying dynamics between the partners. We have always loved the camaraderie of the mature Kate Middleton with quietly dignified William as well as the playfulness of the new parents, Meghan and Harry.
But is there more to read from their happy smiles and perfect appearances? Here are 10 times that the royal couple body language told us more than they let on.
Harry and Meghan are full of positive energy. They share similar interests in community work and have strong views about certain causes. Yet, their partnership gives them the understanding and support they need to fight the world together. This allows their natural playful side to come out without a need to have a guard on.
"They're being playful about how they do that step, with a broad, large, straight leg, and the toes pointing up," says body language expert Patti Wood to Insider. Their toes pointed up shows happiness, energy, and excitement. They also seem relaxed while holding hands here.
In contrast, William and Kate show less of what they feel. Here, they are in tune with each other and are emotionally in sync, according to Cosmopolitan. Kate is also looking up to William and seeking his affirmation.
The couples' wedding kiss reveals a lot about them. Harry and Meghan are more open and comfortable about displaying their affection, but William and Kate are more formal. Harry's eyes had lingered on Meghan even after the kiss, while William had kept it short and succinct on his wedding day. Kate had also appeared shy as she giggled afterward, according to Cosmopolitan.
Both William and Harry look at their wives with a look that says "isn't she beautiful?" They often break into a smile that lights up their eyes and their spouses often mirror that look. While the look on William reveals an equal amount of adoration for his wife, he tends to be aware of the public and paparazzi around him, while Harry is capable of tuning everyone out and get lost in the moment.
Both Prince Harry and William are presenting their first child to the public for the first time in these photos. While Harry looks at ease, Prince William has more tension in his shoulders, says Patti Wood. "Meghan is standing by her husband's side, but hovering over the baby and reaching her hand out to the baby's head. It's almost as if she wants to take ownership back, but she's also conscious about letting her husband bask in the glory of their son," according to GoodHouseKeeping.
They are often photographed facing each other. Here, both couples are turned towards each other and give undivided attention despite distractions. While William and Kate have an obstruction, Meghan and Harry have easy access to each other. Both are animated and their smiles indicate how happy they are to be in each other's company. Kate appears more aware of her role as a royal here, while Meghan appears chic and casual while accompanying the prince.
The younger couple is mostly pictured walking hand-in-hand while Kate and William, the third in line for the throne, maintain a modest distance. Since the elder couple is aware of their succession to the throne, perhaps, they are choosing to not break away from the traditional image of a royal couple. They are heirs to the monarchy and show it in their actions, too. Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, are more casual and candid in their interactions with each other.
Both moms have strong bonds with their children. Their body language shows that they are protective of their children. Research (Great Myths of Intimate Relationships: Dating, Sex, and Marriage) shows that having children has a negative effect on marriage. However, even after three children, Kate and William still seem as in love as when they got married. As for Meghan and Harry, much like the other aspects of their life, their excitement of becoming new parents is evident in their gestures and expressions.
Both the dads seem hands-on and don't fear the messy chores and late-nights that come with being a dad, even if they have more than enough help at hand in their royal cottages.
References:
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a14428006/kate-and-william-body-language/
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/a20749506/prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-wedding-kiss/
