A new photo of King Charles III, Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles, Prince William and Kate Middleton includes a small detail that a body language expert calls “incredibly rare”.
Buckingham Palace released a new official portrait of senior members of the Royal Family this Saturday, October 1. “Their Majesties The King and Queen Consort with Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales,” read the caption of a tweet from the official Royal Family account.
The Royal Family also revealed that this photo was taken at Buckingham Palace on September 18, the day before Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.
Body language expert Judi James analyzed the photo for the Express, pointing out that this photo included some very interesting aspects, including an “incredibly rare” gesture by King Charles.
“Strength and physical power”
“The body language and construction of this pose creates a poignant and ongoing message,” explained James. “When the Queen ascended the throne, the image was of a petite but confident woman with her husband in a supporting role. Here we have two royal males, one older, but with his son positioned directly next to him in poses that symbolize strength and physical power.”
“William’s legs apart, hands clasped and head tilt define a politely awaiting man, reflecting his new role as direct heir to the throne.”
She added: “The people in charge are clearly all male now, but the wives are brought up to their level. It hints at a more mutual sense of duty and responsibility.”
Judi James then analyzed Camilla and Kate’s body language and found signs of “unity”.
The body language expert noted: “Camilla and Catherine are both in poses that signal support…Camilla’s arm is around her husband’s back and Kate’s is in the same position behind William’s back. These gestures are also important in terms of projection of continuity and stability.”
She describes: “The feeling of solidity is generational but also marital. The regularity of the composition also places William and Catherine in direct unity with Charles and, more importantly, with Queen Camilla.”
This “incredibly rare” gesture
King Charles’ right arm placed on his wife’s back is an incredibly rare gesture of affection in public.
“Charles’ hand in his pocket is a bit of his trademark, but what’s less common, and incredibly rare, is the way he puts his arm around Camilla in a reciprocal gesture.”explained James.
“This couple’s public gestures of affection are unusual and adopting this pose in one of their first official photos could signal a new era in terms of how certain cues are perceived, gestures of affection are going to be more recognized and than the royal family more open to these.”
Judi James also analyzed everyone’s smiles and how Charles shows a “inner sadness”given the recent death of his mother, the Queen.