William’s Unusually Warm PDA at Ascot Sparks Talks of Royal Dynamics Shift
Prince William’s recent public displays of affection (PDA) at Royal Ascot have sparked discussions about changing dynamics within the British royal family. Body language experts suggest that this shift may be a response to recent health challenges faced by key family members, including Princess Kate and King Charles.
Judi James, a renowned body language expert, told The Mirror that the Prince of Wales exhibited unusually warm and tactile behavior with his extended family at the prestigious horse racing event. “Ascot has always been an event where the royals have tended to allow their more formal body language rituals to drop or loosen,” James explained. “But this season, there has clearly been a wholesale outbreak of PDA that has revealed the softer, more caring and empathetic side of a family normally known for their cooler body language displays toward each other in public.”
The expert noted that William appeared particularly relaxed and affectionate with his stepmother, Queen Camilla, and cousins Zara Tindall, Princess Eugenie, and Princess Beatrice. This behavior, James argues, is distinct from the type of PDA often associated with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
“These rituals have nothing to do with any mirroring of Harry and Meghan’s brand of tactile body language,” James clarified. “Theirs is only shown between each other or to register support for strangers on their ‘royal’ visits. William’s rituals here are for extended family, which is a different level of bonding altogether.”
The timing of this public affection is significant, coming after a challenging period for the royal family. Both Princess Kate and King Charles have recently been diagnosed with cancer, which James suggests may have “produced a desire to not just reconvene, but to reaffirm those bonds publicly.”
This display of unity and warmth at Royal Ascot stands in stark contrast to the ongoing tensions between Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family. The Duke of Sussex’s revelations in his memoir “Spare” and the controversial Oprah Winfrey interview have strained relationships within the family.
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie’s recent dismissive comments about the Oprah interview highlight the continued fallout. When asked about the interview, Edward reportedly replied, “Oprah, who?” while Sophie quipped, “What interview?” These remarks underscore the ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
In his memoir, Prince Harry defended his decision to speak publicly, writing, “I told them that I failed to see how speaking to Oprah was any different from what my family and their staffs had done for decades – briefing the press on the sly, planting stories.” He also revealed that even close friends and his former nanny had questioned his decision to share family matters so openly.
As the royal family navigates these complex dynamics, William’s more open displays of affection at Ascot may signal a new approach to public image. James emphasized that these interactions appeared “congruent and authentic,” rather than staged for public consumption.
This shift in behavior could be interpreted as an attempt to present a more relatable and united front in the face of recent challenges. It may also serve to differentiate the working royals’ approach from that of Harry and Meghan, who have often been criticized for their more Hollywood-style public appearances.
Prince William's unusual PDA begins new debate#Prince | #William | #Unusual | #Beginshttps://t.co/nYdNe2Vw6P
— Serena Briggs (@SBriggs52720) June 20, 2024