“Relaxed” Prince William and Duchess Kate have ramped up PDA since Megxit
It is not something royal watchers are used to seeing, but in a slightly strange turn of events, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have appeared to become more tactile and love-up than they have seemed in a while.
A body language expert has noted the pair appear to have “relaxed their royal rules” when completing their duties, and have dabbled in romantic touches and fun body language that indicates a certain change.
Body language expert Judi James told Fabulous Digital that their “body language has always veered on the side of bland, but it is also always pitch-perfect for their royal role”.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speak to young people and employers at Bradford Town Hall on January 15, 2020 in Bradford, United Kingdom.
Over the years, royal watchers have learnt not to expect “non-verbal soap opera from the couple,” but Judi says things have changed.
The expert said: “William and Kate do seem to be bringing more non-verbal signals and touches into their ‘routine’ post-Megxit though, apparently understanding that they can push the boundaries a little without suffering from obsessive interest and criticism.
“As a result we’re seeing an increase of rituals that are showing the fun and the love but without compromising royal tradition.”
A notable gesture done by the couple that hasn’t gone past Judi is the Duke handing his wife a rose while they were greeting supporters – it was a move that the expert perceived was well received from the Duchess.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge depart City Hall, Bradford on January 15, 2020.
She said: “Although he was heavily egged on by the crowds, Kate’s dimpled smile and eye contact showed she appreciated the romantic gesture from her bashful-looking husband”.
Not only has the couple appeared more calm and confident with eachother during royal engagements, they also show a closeness when just out and about.
“William and Kate are currently showing a capacity for comedy and performing it as a double act to double the laughs,” Judi said.
Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge visit Joe's Ice Cream Parlour in the Mumbles to meet local parents and carers on February 04, 2020 near Swansea, South Wales.
“Kate tends to be more active and demonstrative but William mimics enough to make it mutual and he seems to mutter asides into Kate’s ear to prompt most of the joking.”
Cameras followed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge competing against one another in a baking challenge set by cooking legend Mary Berry for ITV’s A Berry Royal Christmas.
Judi said: “Kate is now instigating more tie-sign touch rituals in public and William is reciprocating.
“We might not be seeing the kind of intensely tactile behaviour that we did from Harry and Meghan but the increase in caring or thought-sharing touches shows a post-Megxit approach to a relaxing of the ‘rules’.”