Kate Middleton and Prince William dropped their holiday card yesterday, and—per usual—the timing was everything. This card reveal came just days before Volume II of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix docuseries, and features Kate and William looking relaxed and happy with their three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Emphasis on looking relaxed and happy, because according to a body language expert there’s more to this photo that meets the eye.
First all all, it should be noted that this family picture was taken over the summer—well before Meghan and Harry’s docuseries dropped. But apparently even then the Walses were exhibiting major sigs of tension.
Body language expert Judi James tells The Sun that William keeping one hand in his pocket illustrates his “desire to hide,” and says “The direction of his gaze looks reflective or distracted. His smile also looks forced and is aimed at no one. He would always be the one motivating and leading the family group poses. Touchingly, it looks as though George has taken over that role from his father here.”
Meanwhile, Kate’s smile “is a little more tense than usual,” and “with an asymmetric twist at one corner of her mouth, it suggests the kind of mixed emotions any parent might have organizing three children for a family photo. There is a strong sense of pride in her eye expression though.”
Tension aside, Judi says the photo ultimately showcases a “united family team,” and adds that, “The casual denim/blue toning-but-not-matching outfits create a message of five individuals with strong personalities. There is also a sense of freedom about the pose, with its outdoor, relaxed setting and details like William’s rather elderly and scuffed-looking trainers, flying in the face of his brother’s narrative that he had to flee to the US to find his own ‘freedom.'”
Lot to process here! And if you’re in the mood for more body language drama, head below:
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm, She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.