Kate Middleton and William body language shows ‘genuine emotion and grief’ in covid video

With a coronavirus lockdown in place across the UK, Kate Middleton and Prince William have switched to making virtual appearances via video call. During an engagement last week, a body language expert explained the couple are “reflective” and show “genuine emotion” at the topics they discuss.

“The Royal Foundation’s support for @hospice_uk’s Just ‘B’ service was announced in July last year as part of it’s COVID-19 Response fund.”

Commenting on the video, body language expert Judi James said the royals showed strong signs of “empathy”.

She told Express.co.uk: “William and Kate are promoting a bereavement service here that places a focus on listening to people who have lost family, friends and colleagues and their own non-verbal signals fit that theme perfectly.

“The Cambridges appear to have pared back in terms of their own appearance and their own movements and body language to create a message of concern and empathy.

DON’T MISS

“There is nothing ‘celebrity’ or high-status about them here, their outfits are smart but functional.

“Kate has even pinned her trademark long, glossy curls back to create a much plainer and less eye-catching look, ensuring our focus is the people they are listening to rather than themselves.”

The expert explained the couple toned down their own appearances to not distract from the message being discussed, with Kate opting for a muted look.

When discussing the sensitive topic, Judi claimed Kate and Prince William were genuinely invested and showed “grief” of their own.

She stated they displayed similar body language signals and used mirroring techniques.

“William and Kate use a lot of mirroring here to signal a like-minded approach although they also perform as a complimentary double-act,” Judi added.

“William looks and sounds more active and troubled while Kate asks questions while offering a warm, caring smile.

“Their active listening nods are almost in unison and when William speaks we can see Kate’s eyes move off to her left, suggesting she is reflecting on his words and his sentiments about ‘unprecedented’ times.”

Never miss a royal update again by signing up to the Daily Express Royal Family newsletter

The royal line of succession – who outranks who?

The line of succession to the British throne dictates the order in which each member of the Royal Family would ascend to the throne.

It is also seen as a ranking of importance with the head of the line, the Queen, taking the place of ruler.

Older children come before younger children. Traditionally boys came before girls, but this law was changed on 26 March 2015 before the birth of Prince William’s first child.

Incredibly, Catholics are still excluded from the line of succession, as are children born outside of wedlock.

The royals, who usually stick to a strict protocol when appearing in public, often arrive at events in ascending order of importance, with the most important royal arriving last.

Prince Charles, 72, is currently first-in-line to the British throne, followed by Prince William, 38, his oldest son.

Then comes Prince William’s children, George, seven, Charlotte, five, and Louis, two, and they are followed by Prince Harry, 36. Prince Harry is succeeded by his son Archie Harrison, born in May 2019.