Prince William and Kate Middleton's 'stiffness' during engagement interview
The couple sat down with ITV News to publicly announce their engagementIt’s almost been 15 years since Prince William and Kate Middleton sat down for their engagement interview.
On November 16 in 2010, the royal couple announced they were engaged. It came after William popped the question during their romantic getaway to Kenya in Africa in the October.
William and Kate married at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.
Now, 15 years later, a body language expert has analysed the iconic interview which has been watched by millions worldwide.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement interview
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, body language expert Darren Stanton said looking back at William and Kate’s engagement interview, they both appeared “reserved and formal”.
He explained: “Their body language reflected a sense of stiffness, very ‘stiff upper lip’, as if they were still learning how to navigate public attention.
“Kate, in particular, maintained perfect posture: back straight, hands still, slightly angled toward William, giving off a composed and almost ‘finishing school’ impression.”
Darren said that William displayed “clear signs of nervousness”. He continued: “He was wringing his hands, fidgeting with his fingers and his tone was noticeably low.
“He often looked down rather than maintaining steady eye contact, a stark contrast to the confident, open, and engaging William we see today, who now uses open palm gestures and speaks with ease to both the media and crowds.”
William and Kate’s affection ‘evident’ during interview
Darren said the couple’s connection has always been evident. He gushed: “William has always seemed deeply devoted to Kate, and she to him.
“They’re comfortable showing affection in public, from playful touches to warm, genuine interactions. Something which was quite new for a royal couple at the time.”
Their body language reflected a sense of stiffness, very ‘stiff upper lip’, as if they were still learning how to navigate public attention.
The expert also discussed how the Prince and Princess of Wales have grown in their confidence in public.
He added: “Over time, both of their confidence levels have grown tremendously. Kate, while appearing calm during the interview, spoke softly and seemed far less self-assured than she is now.
“Today, she carries herself with far more confidence and warmth, her voice stronger and her gestures more natural.”
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring
During their engagement interview, William and Kate discussed her stunning engagement ring. It once belonged to William’s late mother, Princess Diana.
William explained: “It’s a family ring, yes. It’s my mother’s engagement ring. I thought it was quite nice because obviously she’s not around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all. This is my way of keeping her close to it all.”
He added: “It’s a sapphire with some diamonds.”
Kate gushed: “It’s beautiful. I just hope I look after it! It’s very, very special.”
Read more: Prince William makes shock appearance on DWTS to support Robert Irwin
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