A Body Language Expert Analyzes Harry and William at Diana's Statue Unveiling

On what would have been their late mother's 60th birthday, Prince Harry and Prince William reunited to unveil a statue of Princess Diana that aims to "keep their mother's memory alive." The statue is placed in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace—one of Princess Diana's favorite spots (opens in new tab).

The brothers posted a joint statement (opens in new tab) following the event:

Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.

Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.

Thank you to Ian Rank-Broadley, Pip Morrison and their teams for their outstanding work, to the friends and donors who helped make this happen, and to all those around the world who keep our mother’s memory alive.

— Prince William and Prince Harry

Royal fans were eager to see how the brothers would act around one another following multiple reports of rifts (opens in new tab) and tension (opens in new tab). Based on videos and photos of the brothers at the event, things looked pretty friendly at first glance. Patti Wood, body language expert and author of Snap: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma (opens in new tab), agrees.

Wood tells Marie Claire that she was struck by how the brothers first appear coming down the stairs utilizing similar body language they've shown over the years. They both tilt their head to the side and curve slightly sideways while walking, swinging one arm down as the other does a comfort cue shield over their stomach.

Still, Wood said it's significant that William and Harry didn't greet the guests together like they used to.

"I have analyzed their behavior at events for over 20 years, and even when they're with their spouses or family they have often stayed very close to each other and took turns to greet other people," says Wood. "Harry is always last, but close to William by a few feet rather than this distancing [at the event], making it look like William just happened to come down the stairs with this man he doesn’t know and goes off to do his own thing."

But it's the part after the brothers unveil the statue that's most interesting to Wood. Here, Harry gestures for one of the family members to come over to him and William. Simultaneously, this moment highlights William's discomfort being alongside his brother. You can see for yourself starting at the 15:17 mark in the video above.

"[Prince Harry] animatedly tried to get his brother's full attention and engage him in conversation. Harry gives several reaching gestures. He includes the woman, but he steps out in front of her to show all of his body towards his brother," explains Wood. "This 'bid for play' shows Harry’s desire to connect with his brother, while we see Prince William with the full front of his body facing only toward the statue, his shoulders rounded and down firmly at his sides, and his head actually tilted down and away from his brother."

This is a clear sign that Harry is more comfortable than William in the current situation, but towards the end of the event Harry had his hands over his belly again while playing with his wedding ring.

"That shows he knows it's his marriage that's causing them all stress."