Prince William is breaking away from royal traditions, particularly those set by his father, King Charles, according to a body language expert.
A recent, never-before-seen photograph taken by the Princess of Wales captures Prince William as a protective figure to his children: Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, in celebration of Father’s Day. This candid shot, taken last month by Princess Kate in Norfolk, was shared on Kensington Palace’s Instagram account with a touching caption from the three young royals: “We love you Papa. Happy Father’s Day. G, C, and L.” This marked the first time the children’s message was posted on the palace’s official social media.
Body language expert Judy James shared her insights with The Sun, emphasizing how the image underscores Prince William’s hands-on approach to fatherhood. She described the photograph as a poignant depiction of shared affection, with William and his three children gazing thoughtfully at the horizon from a secluded seaside beach. William is depicted as a protective figure, extending both arms in a wing-like gesture to encircle his children, symbolizing his protective nature.
James highlighted how Princess Charlotte is shown as a “daddy’s girl,” leaning towards her father and wrapping her arm around his waist. Meanwhile, Prince George and Prince Louis display body language that suggests they see themselves as more grown-up, standing with their arms around each other. George’s arm around Louis mirrors their public dynamic, where George often acts as a role model and protector to his younger brother, similar to how William was to him.
Princess Kate, who took the photo, is seen as capturing a moment that looks towards the future while also recording a proud moment as a mother. The candid nature of the shot, taken from behind, offers an intimate glimpse into the family’s dynamic. James noted that the casual clothing and the family’s stance with their backs to the camera contribute to the idyllic and spontaneous feel of the image. Unlike traditional posed photos, this picture captures a genuine moment of affection and connection, signifying the end of childhood and the transition to royal adulthood.
Judy James further explained that this image not only reveals the closeness of the family but also highlights Prince William’s departure from the more formal parenting styles of previous royal fathers. The casual and tactile nature of this pose contrasts with the formal suits and hands-off approach typically seen in photos of Charles and even Philip with their children. William’s embrace signifies his desire to be a casual, informal, and hands-on dad.
This intimate family photo was shared just hours after Prince William posted a touching Father’s Day tribute to King Charles. The nostalgic photo, taken 40 years ago, shows a young William playing football with his father on June 12, 1984. William’s heartfelt message, “Happy Father’s Day, Pa,” was personally signed by him, underscoring the evolving nature of father-son relationships within the royal family.
