Princes William and Harry "Definitely Approve" of Prince Charles and Camilla's Relationship, Body Language Expert Says

Contrary to popular belief.

Princess Anne, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Prince Harry stand on the steps of St. George's Chapel, Windsor, following the Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen's 80th birthday
(Image credit: Getty/Dave J Hogan)

Princes William and Harry had to witness their mother Princess Diana's unhappiness, then her divorce from their father, and finally, tragically, her death at the age of 36 in 1997. It would stand to reason, then, that they wouldn't view Prince Charles' relationship with Camilla Parker-Bowles—with whom he had an affair while still married to Diana—in the best light.

In fact, a recent story pointed to the two dukes' weariness towards Prince Charles' alleged intention to make Camilla queen. But for body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking on behalf of Be My Bet, Prince Charles' two sons are actually quite close to their stepmother.

"I think for a long time the media were engrossed in the story of how William and Harry would respond to Camilla effectively being their stepmother, but they show a natural connection to her," Stanton says. "Their non-verbal communication towards Camilla signifies a strong bond and it’s clear they definitely approve of her relationship with their father Charles, with both William and Harry showing genuine emotion towards her."

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry attend the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

(Image credit: Getty/Max Mumby/Indigo)

Stanton also outlined how Prince Charles and his wife's body language towards one another has evolved over the decades of their relationship. "Pictured around the 1970s, Charles displays an open palm gesture when speaking with Camilla—a gesture of honesty and openness and it’s often seen as a sign of trust," the expert explains. "However, he and Camilla made sure to keep a distance between them, as they were seemingly careful not to give any indication towards the existence of a deeper relationship between them or, indeed, reciprocal liking."

HRH Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles are seen together in late 1979 before his marriage to Diana. Clarence House has confirmed today that Charles and partner Camilla Parker-Bowles will marry, at a date expected to be circa April 6, 2005.

(Image credit: Getty/ Pool/Tim Graham Picture Library)

Stanton continues, "There are no signs of true happiness across their faces—no doubt the pair felt the need to suppress that emotion, despite showing a yearning to be close, perhaps even kiss or hug, as they were mindful of their circumstances. They also appear to express anxiety, Camilla was often seen with her hands in her pockets—a gesture of distress."

Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker-Bowles resting after a polo match, circa 1972.

(Image credit: Getty/Serge Lemoine/Stringer)

After they married in 2005, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall's body language in public predictably evolved. "In the years that followed the pair tying the knot in 2005, Camilla was seen mirroring Charles during their public engagements—this is a behaviour exhibited by people in deep rapport, like romantic partners or family," Stanton explains.

"She displays the couple’s closeness by leaning in to him, engaging in his conversation and copying his hand and leg position—matching each other’s non-verbal signs, like gestures and posture, and doing so is a good sign of a healthy relationship," the expert continues.

Royal British Legion Mey Highland Games

(Image credit: Getty/Christopher Furlong)

These days, Stanton believes the couple has grown more comfortable. "Recent photographs of the couple reflect how Camilla has gone from being tense and distant while around Charles to finally feeling comfortable, relaxed and herself," he says. "We see a couple in sync, Charles leaning in towards Camilla and Camilla mirroring his body indicating they are more than comfortable to be in close proximity. They are often pictured smiling together and their smiles appear genuine, through their eyes and cheeks being somewhat raised."

The Prince Of Wales And Duchess Of Cornwall Visit Wales

(Image credit: Getty/Chris Jackson)
Iris Goldsztajn
Morning Editor

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.