Queen Consort Camilla was by King Charles' side when he welcomed the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, Tuesday. The king and queen consort were joined by Prince William and Kate Middleton. The four senior royals showed a united front at the event.
King Charles And Queen Consort Camilla Looked Happy As Prince William, Kate Middleton Approach Them, Expert Says
The new fab four joined forces as they welcomed Ramaphosa for King Charles' first state visit. Body language expert Judi James weighed in on the royals' body language at the event.
According to James, King Charles and Camilla were beaming when they saw the Prince and Princess of Wales walk up the steps of the Royal Pavilion to stand next to them.
"There were strong signals of positive anticipation from Charles as his daughter-in-law Kate walked up the steps to greet him," James said, Express reported. "His hands seemed to pause above his pockets and his warm eye-gaze looked focused on her, while Camilla appeared to perform an even warmer, affectionate smile aimed at William."
Queen Consort Camilla Showing Signs Of Anxiety, Expert Says
Although the queen consort was happy to see Prince William and Kate Middleton, the expert observed some signs of anxiety in her. It was reportedly evident in Camilla's facial expressions and gestures.
"There was a small gesture of anxiety from Camilla as the very elegant William and Kate approached the steps as she lifted her bag in front of her torso in a barrier gesture," James explained.
"There is clearly a desire to show a unified front and a family vibe from the new top tier of the Firm though, with smiles, chatting, and polite body language signals all round."
Camilla Reportedly Wants To 'Promote A Family Look'
The expert added that Prince William's stepmother wanted them to be seen as a united family. She wasn't disappointed because the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were very attentive to her.
"Camilla seemed especially keen to promote a family look here, not just with her maternal-looking smiles but in the way she turned her head to join in the conversation between William and Kate," James continued.
"Kate's dimpled smile and her raised brows showed a polite and attentive engagement as Camilla spoke to her across William, who adopts a fig leaf hand pose to suggest he is in listening rather than speaking mode."
Another expert said Middleton chose a purple outfit to not upstage her stepmother-in-law. According to Prince Harry's biographer Angela Levin, author of Harry: A Biography of a Prince, Camilla has enjoyed a good relationship with the Prince and Princess of Wales.