25 June 2024 , 22:00
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A body language expert has praised the role Prince William played as he “stole the show” welcoming Emperor Naruhito on a state visit from Japan - as the King “found his feet”.
The Prince of Wales played a key royal role today as he formally welcomed the visitor and his wife, Empress Masako, escorting them from their London hotel to Horse Guards Parade to meet the waiting King and Queen. Tonight, Emperor Naruhito arrived at Buckingham Palace for the state banquet to end the first day of three.
Body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking on behalf of Betfair Roulette, said the King looked relaxed while the Queen was confident during their earlier meeting - but it was Prince William who shone. He said: “Prince William steals the show when he arrives. He is such a professional and has developed leaps and bounds.
Prince William was praised for his welcome of the Emperor and the Empress (PA)“His posture is upright and shows confidence and we don’t see pacifying gestures of nervousness like we used to. When he speaks he is confident and has no blank fillers. His hands are open and not in his pockets or playing with his cufflinks, which are both nervous gestures.
“King Charles looks very relaxed and content and gives off a very statesman-like posture. He seems confident and not as nervous compared to other appearances. It’s taken Charles decades and decades to build his resilience, but he has definitely developed into a strong man. The main difference we see in Charles now is he has found his feet within the Royal Family. He has taken the protocols his mum instilled in him and knows what works for him in a modern monarchy.
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King Charles extends a hand of welcome (Samir Hussein/WireImage)“This establishes him on the world stage as a diplomat and public figure, who instils confidence in everyone around him. We also saw Camilla getting involved and talking to the empresses. From her body language, she appears completely confident and comfortable in her skin. Overall, the pair appear completely together and on the same page when it comes to their royal roles.” He added Prince William’s performance shows he has “full belief in his abilities as the future King.”
Earlier today, fellow body language expert Judi James said William “looks less ‘lost’ without Kate by his side than he has tended to at recent outings." Judi said William offered “His hand in an ‘announcement’ gesture" to the visiting Japanese head of state. She added: “When he clasps both their hands the shake lasts for quite a few seconds and he chats throughout.
"His hand shake with the Empress seems to involve a head bow and eye contact with raised brows to again show signals of a friendly approach.” Judi continued: “William leads the conversations with good eye contact and some animated body language, seeming to help his guests to relax and smile in the way his grandmother always could.”