This Royal Is "Being Drip Fed" an Increased Workload as She's "Grown in Confidence," Says Body Language Expert
Darren Stanton reflects on how one member of the Royal Family will likely "play a more prominent role."
Duchess Sophie has been taking on more overseas tours in recent years, and this week, she visited Bangladesh at the request of the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Among her many engagements in the country, she visited a refugee camp and met with the Prime Minister’s spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, to discuss shared interests in the welfare, protection and the empowerment of women and girls.
Body language expert Darren Stanton says that during her trip, it’s evident that Duchess Sophie “has grown in confidence,” adding, “Prince Edward and Sophie are being drip fed even more to do royal engagements.”
“She is prepared to be seen as a normal person,” Stanton shares, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino. “There’s a great image of her playing hockey, and another getting her hands dirty with a spade and planting a tree in Bangladesh. These images are to convey that the royals are able to connect with people and I think there is a push to introduce this into the fold.”
The Duchess of Edinburgh walks through Camp 4 in the Rohingya refugee camp during her trip to Bangladesh.
Duchess Sophie meets children that live in the refugee camp on November 10.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, who wrapped up her trip to Bangladesh on November 11, has a keen interest in women's issues. She was able to reflect on her visit to the refugee camps in the city of Cox's Bazar, speaking with representatives from the United Nations and other organization about what's being done about the protection, safety and security concerns affecting women and girls.
“Sophie comes across as confident in many ways similar to Princess Anne," Stanton says. "Anne is very forthright and says what she thinks, but doesn’t display signs of insecurity and is great with eye contact. Sophie is great at meeting people, with open palm gestures which shows honesty and authenticity. It is saying that she has nothing to hide."
The Duchess of Edinburgh poses for a photo with representatives from U.K.-owned apparel company Dewhirst, a major garment manufacturer providing skills, employment and progression opportunities to women and people with disabilities in Bangladesh.
Duchess Sophie plants an olive tree at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training on November 9.
The Duchess of Edinburgh married Prince Edward in 1999, and throughout the years she's taken on more public engagements, especially once her brother-in-law, King Charles took the throne.
“Similar to Princess Kate and Prince William, there has been an evolution with Duchess Sophie with her levels of confidence," Stanton says. "This is going to continue. I think Sophie will be asked to do more and will play a more prominent role in representing the Royal Family in the future.”
