
On Monday, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended Commonwealth Day services (opens in new tab) alongside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, marking the last time the Fab Four would be at an event together representing the royal family.
During the bittersweet event, held at London's Westminster Abbey, the couples were seated apart from each other (they didn't enter or walk together either), adding fuel to the fire of rumors that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to leave royal life (opens in new tab) behind has only furthered the rift (opens in new tab) between Harry and William.
Following the event, Marie Claire chatted with Patti Wood, body language expert and author of Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma (opens in new tab), to get insight into how William and Kate were really feeling at their last outing with Harry and Meghan.
"He's doing a comfort palm, that palm down on his leg, which is comforting and suppressing his emotional state or he's trying to suppress how he's feeling," says Wood about William's posture during the ceremony. "The fist on top of that is an indication that he is suppressing slight amount of anger and if you go all the way up to the mouth, he's doing a lip compression, which also says, 'I'm suppressing my true emotional state.' The furrowed brow that would say, it's anger as well."
As for the Duchess of Cambridge, she felt different from her partner, according to Wood. "There's a slight pursing of the lips and slight sadness in the eye that we see. The pursing of the lips is more like, 'This doesn't taste good to me,' and then the sadness in the eye is "This is sad.'"
William's feelings definitely didn't waver after the ceremony.
"He's got a slight lip suppression, very slight, titled at one side, he has conflicted feelings on trying to hide how he's feeling, but the glare is an angry glare," Wood explains.
As for Harry, Wood couldn't help but noticing that the Duke looked very tired.
"It looks like he hasn't slept," she commented. "That's what it looks like when a man has come back to barracks or back from the line of battle and that they're just sort of in that dizzy place."
Perhaps it's all the recent "heart-to-hearts" with the Queen (opens in new tab), or maybe it's all the transatlantic flights, but it seems likely that Harry and Meghan will look forward to their break.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
subscribe here (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORIES
Bianca Rodriguez is the Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager at Hearst Magazines, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Town & Country. She likes lounging about with a good book and thinks a closet without platform sneakers is a travesty.
-
We Can’t Stop Laughing at Prince George Cringing Over Little Brother Prince Louis’ Antics at the Platinum Jubilee
Will we see more Louis hijinks at the Coronation?
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Despite Their Requests, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Have “No Chance” of Appearing on the Buckingham Palace Balcony After King Charles’ Coronation, Royal Expert Says
The saga continues.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
If Prince Harry Does Attend the Coronation, He Will Avoid Bowing to Queen Consort Camilla
Plans are being drawn up to avoid the potentially awkward moment.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince George and Prince Louis Are "Protective" of Mom Kate in Mother's Day Photos, Body Language Expert Says
They have such a sweet relationship.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Attend the Coronation? What We Know at This Stage
Talk about a cliffhanger.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Once Joked He Might Have Worn "A Comedy Beard and a Hat" to Attend a Concert Incognito
OMG, imagine.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royal Photographer Says Prince George Is "Like William," Prince Louis Is "Like Harry"
Tell me you don't see it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie Is Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Example With Her Official Announcements, Historian Says
They're in a similar-ish position.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Status of Prince Harry and Meghan's Coronation Invitation Is a Real "Mess," Royal Commentator Says
Yep, none of this is easy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Made $80K Per Year With The Tig, But Could Make Much More With a Relaunch: Branding Expert
It could be a smart business move for the duchess.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate "Asserted Her Authority" Over Prince William During St. Patrick's Day Appearance, Body Language Expert Says
He laid low to let her shine.
By Iris Goldsztajn