Prince William & Prince Harry’s Body Language Analyzed Through The Years

Body language can be very telling when analyzing relationships between people through the years. Expert Blanca Cobb told Bustle about what we can learn from Prince William and Prince Harry’s body language evolution through adolescence and adulthood.

Here, William and Harry stand outside Westminster Abbey in 1997 at Princess Diana’s funeral. Cobb says, “Prince William looks over at his younger brother, Harry, to monitor how he’s coping at their mother’s funeral.”

William’s attention to Harry is a “very caring gesture.”

Here, the brothers were photographed in 1999. “Prince Harry exudes confidence with his hands on his hips while listening to his brother.”

“Notice Prince William’s slightly fisted hands, which indicate a bit of unease. We don’t know about what, though.”

King Charles and his sons are seen here during a 2002 skiing holiday in Switzerland. “Their smiles are similar, which suggests that they’re experiencing a similar level of enjoyment and happiness at the moment.”

“What a bonding moment for the three of them.”

“The brothers are enjoying each other’s company [during the 2003 Trooping the Colour ceremony]. Notice how they’re leaning in towards each other as they’re talking.”

Six years later at the 2009 Trooping the Colour ceremony, there seems to be a shift. “There’s a mismatch between William’s and Harry’s facial expressions ... William doesn’t appear as engaged in the conversation as Harry.”

Here, Charles, William, and Harry bond during the 2014 Invictus Games. “What a happy moment for Prince Charles and his two sons. Authentic happiness splashed across their faces.”

Fast forward a few years to November 2018, when William, Harry, Meghan Markle, and Kate Middleton stand together at a Remembrance Day event, months after Meghan and Harry got married.

“Prince Harry is standing slightly behind his brother and in close proximity. Their stance is similar, with their hands crossed in front of them, which suggests that the brothers are in sync.”

The royal couples are seen here, days after Queen Elizabeth II died. Cobb explains how their walking patterns to greet mourners was a demonstration of unity — even if not between the two brothers.

“It’s natural for each brother to stay closer to their respective wife than to the other. As a group, you’d think that the two couples would have walked side by side instead of Prince Harry and Meghan trailing behind.”

“This is an interesting shot [days after the Queen’s passing] because the brothers are standing near each other and looking in opposite directions without any interaction. William looks pensive with furrowed eyebrows and tight lips.”

The pair seemed united, if only momentarily, in their grief, during the period of mourning. “Both brothers seem absorbed in their thoughts.” There’s a good chance in the future that their body language will evolve even more.