Body language expert points out key gesture in King Charles’ speech that everyone likely missed
A body language expert has pointed out a major gesture in King Charles' speech that everyone likely missed.
Earlier today (17 July), the King announced the new Labour government’s laws at the State Opening of Parliament.
The legislative agenda contained 35 new bills affecting a whole array of things from renter's rights to drink spiking.
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Since then, a body language expert has analysed the monarch’s appearance, claiming that the 75-year-old displayed 'signs of nerves' as he delivered his eagerly-anticipated speech.
King Charles 'felt the pressure'
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slingo, Darren Stanton explained that King Charles 'felt the pressure' and 'didn’t want to be distracted' ahead of the speech.
"When we first saw King Charles and Queen Camilla walking through, they wanted to remain professional and not give too much emotion away," he told Tyla.
The expert revealed that the King seemed to be 'a lot more serious and reserved' than Queen Camilla was as he had his arms by his side, with his head above his shoulders and walked with high levels of importance.
"He didn’t look around, he simply looked straight ahead," Darren carried on. "This tells us he didn’t want to feel distracted by anything. Charles was feeling the pressure.
"We know this as he was very careful with his body language and seemed to be feeling conscious of people watching him."
Darren also noted that King Charles went on to display a 'combination of nervousness and enthusiasm', continuing: "He generally appeared in control of his emotions, which proves he was feeling confident with Camilla by his side.
"However, when we looked at his facial expressions, they did display signals of apprehension at some points."
On the other hand, Darren says, Queen Camilla was 'calm and collected' as she 'took it all in her stride'.
He added: "She didn’t show any signs of feeling nervous or unsettled. For Camilla, this was just another engagement and she wasn’t fazed by the pressure.
"We know this from Camilla giving a few more sincere smiles than Charles and her posture was more relaxed."
King Charles appeared 'nervous'
When reading his speech, Darren noted that King Charles' hands were 'shaking' and that the papers were 'moving around a lot' which he puts down to being a 'visible sign of him feeling uncomfortable'.
"We also saw that his breathing was faster than normal, with his shoulders moving up and down quite noticeably," the expert went on. "This suggests more signs of Charles experiencing adrenaline and nervousness. He went on to use reassurance signals, such as biting his lip every time he took a breath."
However, once the King was 'settled and adjusted', his eye contact became 'more controlled and engaged with consistency'.
Darren also pointed out: "While he did appear nervous at some points, there’s nothing to suggest Charles wasn’t feeling confident. His voice was fairly stoic and consistent.
"He carried himself with great gravitas and solemnity. Charles was feeling strong within himself and what he could do."
Queen Camilla's 'supportive gesture'
Darren also analysed some more of Queen Camilla's body language, telling us: "When Charles and Camilla started to leave, we saw Camilla hold out her hand for Charles.
"The fact she instigated this move tells us a lot about their connection and the reality behind their relationship."
According to the expert, she did this to 'let him know she was there and by his side'.
"It was a gesture of Camilla being there to support him," Darren finished up. "It reveals that Charles does rely on Camilla to be there - and she will always have his back.
"This gesture makes it known that Camilla carries a lot of dominance and isn’t afraid to take control when it feels appropriate to her."
Topics: King Charles III, Royal Family, UK News, Celebrity, News, Politics
Rhiannon Ingle