Queen’s funeral: What the body language of the royal family reveals
Experts have weighed in on the royals body language at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, with the Sussexes non-verbal communication particularly telling.
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The Queen’s funeral is cause for mourning and expressions of grief and respect worldwide, with people finding their own ways to show the impact of the beloved monarch’s passing. However, all eyes were on the royal family, with body language experts analysing every gesture for signs of what each member could be thinking and feeling – from King Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry self-soothing gestures, to Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle's differing approaches to duty.
“The name of the game for every single participant was not to distract in any way from the Queen and every person, family, child and public played their part magnificently,” said body language expert Dr Louise Mahler.
But with all eyes meant to be focused on the Queen’s casket, you may have missed a few things.
Katia Loisel, also a body language expert, said the enormity of the loss was there to see reflected in the royals if you looked closely. Here is what you may have missed:
PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN
Katia Loisel: “Whilst many have been critical of Prince Harry and Meghan, deeming their mutual displays of affection, comfort and reassurance over the past week inappropriate, this reaching out is very much in line with the tactile and affectionate couple that they are and Prince Harry’s work as a passionate ambassador for mental health.
“Whilst Prince Harry and Meghan held a more formal distance throughout much of the formalities over the past few days, in a sign of respect and reflective of the seriousness of the occasion, much attention has been devoted to the brief moments when they reconnected in their signature hand clasp, non-verbally seeking one another out in an attempt to provide and receive comfort and reassurance.
“However, it’s important to see these non-verbal behaviours for what they are, not as a sign of disrespect, but two people reaching out for help and finding solace in one another during what is an incredibly difficult time. ”
Dr Louise Mahler: “Harry’s demeanour never altered … Instead of breaking protocol as is their want, Harry and Meghan didn’t move a hair between them. As the coffin finally moved away in the car and those in uniform saluted again, Harry stood stock still staring forwards without so much as a blink and Meghan, likewise in the car procession sat motionless in the back seat.”
MEGHAN MARKLE
Katia Loisel: “Walking closely behind Kate, Meghan cut a solitary figure, her head bowed and eyes downcast and hands clasped in front in a self-protective gesture indicating a level of discomfort or uncertainty.”
“A sombre Meghan kept her head bowed, eyes downcast and hands clasped in front in a self-protective gesture indicating a level of discomfort or uncertainty, and perhaps as a show of respect.”
Dr Louise Mahler: “Meghan showed nothing but calm and reverence. Meghan even sat bolt upright in the car towards Westminster Abbey attracting no attention to herself in the back of the vehicle.”
KING CHARLES
Katia Loisel: “Traditionally emotionally reserved, King Charles was clearly grief stricken and moved to tears during the procession, his head ducked and neck turtled in a subconscious attempt to withdraw as he wiped away his tears.
“King Charles’ rocking and rhythmically rubbing the top of his sword with his thumb in an attempt to self-soothe and pacify, indicating high levels of negative arousal.
“As the procession prepared to enter Westminster Abbey, King Charles’ expression was one of utter grief, his mouth ajar, the inner corners of his eyebrows pulled up and together, upper lids droopy as he wiped away tears.
“Emotionally overwhelmed, King Charles, his brows furrowed in a sadness brow, lips compressed, breath shallow and eyes moist with tears, takes a sharp intake of air, his jaw dropping, rapidly blinking away tears in a moment of utter anguish.”
Dr Louise Mahler: “At the beginning, as part of the procession towards Westminster Abbey Charles was seen to open his mouth widely as if to gasp for air, something someone who is very emotional may do. During the ceremony he appeared tired beside Camilla slumped in her chair looking physically exhausted.”
PRINCE WILLIAM AND PRINCE HARRY
Katia Loisel: “While Prince William and Prince Harry held their composure during the procession, we see a marked non-verbal change as they walked behind the Queen’s coffin in Westminster Abbey.
“Clearly pained and distraught, the brothers fought back tears in an attempt to hold it together, their slightly downturned mouths, compressed lips, furrowed brows, droopy eyelids, downcast eyes, eye blocks, heightened blink rate and swallowing indicating genuine sadness and distress.
“Both Prince William and Prince Harry used pacifying behaviours in an attempt to self-soothe, rocking rhythmically back and forth throughout much of the service.”
Dr Louise Mahler: “Even William succumbed to perhaps physical fatigue after such a huge week. Uncharacteristically he swayed backwards and forwards during the ceremony, only slightly, but it was in contrast to his normal stoic tranquillity.”
KATE, GEORGE AND CHARLOTTE
Katia Loisel: “Accompanied by Princes George and Princess Charlotte in their first public procession, Princess Kate appeared relaxed and at ease as she entered Westminster Abbey, smiling and making conversation as she held Princess Charlotte’s hand.
However, as the service progressed the enormity of the loss took its toll, her head and eyes downcast, a large brimmed hat obscuring her face and her pain, her lips compressed and downturned and brow furrowed, for much of the service.”
Dr Louise Mahler: “Standing bolt upright and looking straight ahead for hours at a time can be astoundingly difficult and striking were the children, George and Charlotte who needed no speaking to, no reassuring hand, no entertaining or distracting and no guidance.
“Kate, regal and unswerving in her posture as always and little Charlotte all in black beside her was a credit to all who have a hand in their education.”
“As the coffin was taken from the 100-year-old carriage, the first words between onlookers was seen being spoken by Charlotte to George. She didn’t seem instructional, but rather as if she was pointing out something of interest, which was delightful.”
PRINCESS ANNE
Katia Loisel: “Princess Anne’s eyes fixed straight ahead as if trying to prepare herself for what lay ahead.”
Dr Louise Mahler: “Standing out, Princess Anne somehow appeared younger and more energised in her physique than she has been seen for years. In her uniform she was reminiscent a male youth.”
CAMILLA, QUEEN CONSORT
UK body language expert Sonia Beldom said the Queen Consort’s deportment was “beautiful”, saying: “Her shoulders were horizontal, neck relaxed, her chin is slightly dipped, which is no surprise in grief, and often portrays a person considering something upsetting.”
PRINCE ANDREW AND PRINCE EDWARD
Dr Louise Mahler: “Andrew stood tall and steadfast.”
“Edward early on was seen to draw a huge white hanky and wipe the tears from his eyes repeatedly.”
Originally published as Queen’s funeral: What the body language of the royal family reveals
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