Michael Middleton’s ‘watchful eye’ and Carole’s ‘restraining hand’ suggests a close relationship to their grandchildren, a body language expert has revealed.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s parents were on babysitter duties yesterday as Kate, 37, and her husband Prince William, 37, competed in a star-studded King’s Cup regatta at Cowes, Isle of Wight.
From Michael’s protective arms around Prince George, six, to Carole’s guiding hand on Princess Charlotte, four, body language expert Judi James claims their actions suggest the children have grown up with their traditional ‘grandma and granddad’ presence.
Expert Judi James reveals what Michael and Carole Middleton’s (pictured far left and right) body language says about their role as grandparents. Pictured yesterday in Cowes, Isle of Wight, at the sailing regatta
Yesterday, Princess Charlotte could be seen poking her tongue out at onlookers as Carole took her hand (pictured)
PROTECTIVE HANDS
In one snap, Michael Middleton can be seen with his arms around Prince George. The body language expert suggests it’s his way of ‘keeping a very watchful eye on the prince in a way that won’t make the small boy feel smothered or anxious’
The young royals appeared to be their parents biggest supporters yesterday as they cheered them on from a boat under the close eye of their grandparents – Michael and Carole Middleton.
In one photograph, Michael remained close to Prince George who was pictured with his head on his arms while resting on the edge of the boat.
Meanwhile, Carole could be seen leaning over to engage in conversation with the young royal.
‘It’s interesting to see how much of a very hands-on, watchful and protective role grandparents Michael and Carole Middleton play in the lives of their royal grandchildren,’ said Judi.
The expert went on to explain that the children’s responses to their actions suggest their grandparent’s ‘nurturing’ role is the norm.
‘Their nurturing body language and the responses of George and Charlotte here looks instinctive and spontaneous enough to suggest this is very much their normal role,’ she explained.
‘It suggests the children have grown up with their very traditional “grandma and granddad” presence.’
A WATCHFUL EYE
Judy James suggests that Michael and Carole Middleton’s ‘nurturing’ body language indicates that Princess Charlotte and Prince George have been brought up with a traditional ‘grandma and granddad’ presence
In another snap taken at the inaugural event, Prince George seemed eager to catch a first glimpse of his parents in the charity race as he peered over the side.
According to the body language expert, Michael found a happy medium between protecting the six-year-old without making him feel ‘smothered.’
‘As George leans on the rail of the boat Michael stands behind him, splaying both arms out to form a protective barrier,’ she explained.
‘At the same time, he’s keeping a very watchful eye on the prince in a way that won’t make the small boy feel smothered or anxious.’
While using his arms to ensure Prince George feels safe, Judi also suggests the young royal was the full focus of his attention.
‘We can see him maintaining that close eye-attention even when he is slightly further away in the manner of any grandfather who knows that boat decks and small, active boys can be a dangerous combination,’ she added.
A GUIDING HAND
Cheeky Princess Charlotte stuck her tongue out at onlookers yesterday (pictured). The body language expert says that Carole seems to take a ‘dominant, lead role’ when it comes to her granddaughter
Watchful Carole was on hand to help her daughter Kate ahead of the prize giving at Cowes
Following the eight-boat regatta and awards ceremony, where the winning team received the historic King’s Cup, Princess Charlotte caused onlookers to erupt with laughter when she stuck her tongue out.
While Kate has been praised for her ‘fantastic’ reaction following the young royal’s cheeky antics, Judi suggests Carole took a different approach.
‘Carole seems to be taking a very dominant, lead role with her granddaughter, keeping one very firm, restraining hand on Charlotte’s wrist,’ she said.
‘She appears to be talking to her while the small girl stretches out to naughtily poke out her tongue.’
Judi continued: ‘Kate looks much more like the “good cop” parent here, bending and smiling at her daughter while Charlotte’s grandmother applies the word of caution.’