'Truth' behind Charles and Diana's 'uncomfortable' and 'insincere' engagement photos 45 years on
The couple married in 1981 but their relationship quickly fell apart
It has been 45 years since King Charles and the late Princess Diana posed for their official engagement photographs at Buckingham Palace.
The images quickly became some of the most recognisable royal portraits of the 20th century.
But according to a body language expert, the historic photographs may have revealed early signs of unease behind the fairy tale announcement.
King Charles and Princess Diana’s ‘uncomfortable’ engagement photos
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, body language specialist Darren Stanton claimed the young Diana, then 19, appeared visibly overwhelmed by the sudden global attention.
Meanwhile, Charles, then 32, seemed emotionally detached despite the celebratory moment.
“Diana had been plunged into the limelight on a global scale,” Stanton explained, as reported by HELLO!. “In her official engagement photos it’s apparent that this level of attention was obviously very daunting and all new to her.”
At just 19 years old, Diana Spencer was suddenly introduced to intense worldwide scrutiny, something Stanton believes is reflected in her posture throughout the photographs.
“Diana appears nervous and in some photos is seen with her arm positioned across her chest in what is known as a self-reassurance hug,” he said. “This posture tends to be adopted by those feeling uncomfortable in their environment.”
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The future Princess of Wales famously wore a royal blue suit that matched her sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Meanwhile, Charles opted for a classic grey suit.
The outfit became instantly iconic. However, Stanton suggested that Diana’s styling reflected royal expectation rather than personal preference.
He noted that Diana seems “uncomfortable” and “defensive” in the tailored ensemble.
‘He is simply going through the motions’
By contrast, Charles appeared calm and composed.
However, Stanton argued his expressions did not fully match the joyful tone expected of an engagement announcement.
Stanton suggested Charles seemed to be “going through the motions”. He added that his facial expressions lacked “sincerity” despite the significance of the moment.
He also pointed to a subtle physical distance between the couple, noting that Charles appeared to lean away rather than toward his fiancée in several shots.
“There appears to be a disconnect,” Stanton explained.
The photographs were taken in February 1981. They marked the official confirmation of one of the most watched royal relationships in modern history.
Charles and Diana married later that year on July 29, 1981, in a globally televised ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral.
They went on to welcome two sons, Prince William in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984, before their marriage ultimately broke down, leading to their divorce in 1996.
Decades on, the engagement photographs are still a reminder of the early days of the royal romance. But, as experts now suggest, they may also have quietly foreshadowed the challenges that lay ahead.
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