‘Statesmanlike’ Prince William took on the ‘older brother role’ while ‘flamboyant’ Prince Harry was ‘tense’ as they attended the unveiling of the Princess Diana statue on what would have been her 60th birthday, body language experts have revealed.
The Duke of Cambridge, 39, and Duke of Sussex, 36, were pictured standing shoulder-to-shoulder before revealing a statue created in Princess Diana’s honour by Ian Rank-Broadley and placed in the remodelled Sunken Garden, a place of solace and safety for her before she died in 1997.
The brothers are said to have barely spoken and have an ‘incredibly strained’ relationship after two years of rows over Harry’s wife and her alleged treatment of staff, the couple’s decision to emigrate to America and the tonnes of ‘truth bombs’ the Sussexes have dropped in TV interviews watched by tens of millions of people around the world.
Body language expert Robin Kermode told FEMAIL Prince William was ‘reminiscent of his grandfather Prince Philip’ at the event, taking on a ‘strong, confident, statesmanlike role’.
Meanwhile he said Prince Harry’s wild hand gestures and tense jaw indicated he was ‘less comfortable than he was trying to appear.’
‘Statesmanlike’ Prince William took on the ‘older brother role’ while ‘flamboyant’ Prince Harry was ‘tense’ as they attended unveiling of Princess Diana statue on what would have been her 60th birthday, a body language expert has revealed
The siblings are marking their mother’s 60th birthday by unveiling a sculpture created in her honour by Ian Rank-Broadley and placed in the remodelled gardens she loved all packed with 4,000 of her favourite plants and flowers
The brothers are said to have barely spoken and have an ‘incredibly strained’ relationship after two years of rows over Harry’s wife and her alleged treatment of staff
The body language expert revealed Prince Harry was ‘not as comfortable as he was trying to appear’ at the event today
As the brothers arrived, Robin said the brothers appeared ‘very much in sync’, adding: ‘They walking at the same pace, mirroring outer arm, hand and body movements. But William seems more aware of the cameras than Harry.
‘William looking reminiscent of his grandfather’s body language, strong, confident and slightly cheeky. He’s looking very much the older brother here.
‘His body language is more formal than Harry’s accentuated by his buttoned up jacket. Overall he seems more aware of the importance visually of this meeting.’
He added: ‘Harry looking more relaxed, almost carefree here, well there is still some tension in his right hand playing with the jacket button.’
As the brothers met with the Spencer family and chatted with their relatives ahead of the statue unveiling, the body language expert said Harry was ‘more flamboyant’ than his brother, adding: ‘Once again Harry is using his arm as a demonstrator.
‘His body language is more flamboyant today then William’s who is keeping his arms centred around navel height – traditionally the pose of a leader or a man of status.’
The statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, by artist Ian Rank-Broadley, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace. The bronze statue depicts the princess surrounded by three children to represent the “universality and generational impact” of her work
William appeared ‘thoughtful and in control’ at the event while Prince Harry looked ‘more nervous’, according to Robin
As the brothers arrived, Robin said the brothers appeared ‘very much in sync’, adding: ‘They walking at the same pace, mirroring outer arm, hand and body movements. But William seems more aware of the cameras than Harry’
Robin said William appeared ‘thoughtful and in control’ at the event while Prince Harry looked ‘more nervous’.
The body language expert added: ‘Harry’s hand again is higher than navel height, giving him a higher centre of gravity suggesting he might not be as comfortable as he is trying to appear.’
The Duke of Sussex also appeared ‘to be struggling showing tension in his lip corners, jaw and eye brows.’
Robin added that at times, ‘Harry’s fixed stare is accentuated by his playing with his ring finger.’
Meanwhile the 36-year-old’s decision to ‘pull harder on the rope’ indicated Harry’s new awareness that he ‘doesn’t have to appear as statesmanlike as his older brother.’
He added: ‘We can only imagine the mixed emotions both brothers must be feeling here.
‘William remains upright, formal and referential, while Harry looks lift his shoulders and bless his hands on his hips. This is often a defiant gesture suggesting some internal unease.’
Body language expert Darren Staunton said that despite their differences, the brothers’ bond appeared to shine through at the event.
He said: ‘Although it was clearly a very powerful and emotional event for both William and Harry I think it’s very obvious especially as a body language expert that the two brothers still have a very very strong bond between each other.
‘I did not see any micro expressions, which are fleeting flashes of emotion that someone tries to bask in uncomfortable situations so for example if someone were feeling anger put trying to convey calmness make sure the motion would still emerge or as we say leak out, I did not see any such gestures, especially for Prince William.’
Meanwhile he said despite stepping back from royal duty, the Duke of Sussex had fallen back into his royal ways effortlessly.
He explained: ‘As ever although not officially a royal, Prince Harry effortlessly slipped back into a very Royal conduct and behaviour.
‘From the eye contact and non-verbal communication that was visible between the two it was clear they were sharing a very powerful connection and I believe no matter what the situation between the two they will undoubtedly remain supportive of each other despite the past disagreements.’
‘In a conclusion both Prince Harry and Prince William seems to have weathered all of the attention they have received from the world‘s media in respect of Harry removing himself from royal life and affectively emigrating to the USA.’
He added: ‘I’m sure as time goes on we will probably see a lot more Prince Harry as it is clear in my opinion anyway.
‘He will not just disappear to Los Angeles.’
The statue aims to reflect the warmth, elegance and energy of Diana, Princess of Wales, in addition to her work and the impact she had on so many people.
The figure of Diana, Princess of Wales is surrounded by three children who represent the universality and generational impact of The Princess’ work.
Meanwhile the 36-year-old’s decision to ‘pull harder on the rope’ indicated Harry’s new awareness that he ‘ doesn’t have to appear as statesmanlike as his older brother’
While Prince William was ‘referential’, Prince Harry appeared ‘more defiant’ and showed ‘some internal unease’, Robin explained
According to Robin, the Duke of Sussex also appeared ‘to be struggling showing tension in his lip corners, jaw and eye brows’
Prince Harry could be seen chatting with Lady Jane Fellowes and uncle Earl Spencer, at the unveiling of a statue of his mother Diana today
Meanwhile Darren Stanton said the brothers’ body language appeared ‘in sync’ and they showed a ‘deep bond’ with one another despite their differences
The portrait and style of dress featured was based on the ‘final period of her life as she gained confidence in her role as an ambassador for humanitarian causes’, they said
The portrait and style of dress featured was based on the ‘final period of her life as she gained confidence in her role as an ambassador for humanitarian causes’, they said. It added that the statue ‘aims to convey her character and compassion’. Beneath the statue is a plinth engraved with the Princess’ name and the date of the unveiling.
In front of it is a paving stone engraved with an extract after the poem The Measure of A Man by Albert Schweitzer, which was read at the 2017 memorial service marking the 20th anniversary of her death. It read: ‘These are the units to measure the worth Of this woman as a woman regardless of birth. Not what was her station? But had she a heart? How did she play her God-given part?’
In a statement, the brothers said: ‘Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.
‘Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.
‘Thank you to Ian Rank-Broadley, Pip Morrison and their teams for their outstanding work, to the friends and donors who helped make this happen, and to all those around the world who keep our mother’s memory alive.’
Harry and Meghan believe they were abandoned by the Royal Family, even accusing them of racism towards Archie and ignoring their cries for help when the Duchess of Sussex felt lonely and suicidal while pregnant in London.
But sources close to their uncle Earl Spencer, who was at today’s statue unveiling, have said that there is a hope that the celebration of their mother’s life and legacy will bring them together again. The brothers are also set to have a private meeting after the ceremony. Diana’s sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes have also arrived to see the unveiling of the statue – but Prince Charles and the Queen, who is in Scotland, will not attend the Spencer-dominated event.
Omid Scobie, the Sussexes’ preferred royal reporter, has played down the idea of a public reconciliation when they unveil the statue this afternoon.
Her sons Princes William and Harry have worked closely with the team at Kensington Palace to re-design the garden, filling it with glorious scented blooms loved by their adored mother
The redesigned Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, London, home to the new Diana, Princess of Wales statue, which has been filled with more than 4,000 flowers and offers a ‘calmer and more reflective setting’
Harry and William have been working together on the project since 2017 – but Mr Scobie has said they both vehemently believe today is about their mother – and not them. He said: ‘What we will see is two brothers being professional in a moment that is not about them. This is going to be a moment we see them put everything to one side. We will just see professionalism and nothing else’.
The warring brothers have barely exchanged a word since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their acrimonious departure from the Royal Family 18 months ago.
But the Daily Mail understands they have been in contact in recent days ahead of today’s unveiling of a statue in memory of their late mother Diana. They are even said to have exchanged a few phone messages over England’s win on Tuesday.
Royal insiders have also told the Mail that Harry, 36, has been told how much the family had been hoping to see his two-year-old son Archie again and look forward to his return to the UK soon. It is believed the Cambridges have seen Archie only once or twice since he was born.
Harry and Wills’ kisses for their aunts: Princes greet Diana’s sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes as they join Earl Spencer to unveil statue of their mother at Kensington Palace
Harry and Wills’ kisses for their aunts: Princes greet Diana’s sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes as they join Earl Spencer to unveil statue of their mother at Kensington Palac
Princess Diana’s siblings reunited at Kensington Palace today for the unveiling of their sister’s statue on what would have been her 60th birthday.
Lady Sarah McCorquodale, 66, Lady Jane Fellowes, 64, and Charles, Earl Spencer, 57, joined their nephews Prince William, 39, and Prince Harry, 36, for the intimate ceremony in the remodelled Sunken Garden.
The warmth between the princes and their aunts was clear as they greeted each other with an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Lady Sarah beamed as she held onto Harry’s shoulder and appeared to whisper something into his ear.
Later Prince Harry, who appeared excited throughout the event, smiled widely as he shared a light-hearted moment with his aunts and uncle Charles.
It is not known when the Duke of Sussex last saw his aunts and uncle. He was last photographed with Lady Sarah and Lady Jane at his son Archie’s christening in 2019.
The brothers have stayed close with the aunts and uncle. All three of Diana’s siblings were guests at both Harry and William’s weddings, while they were the also included on the guest list of just 25 at Archie’s christening.
William and Harry put aside their personal differences and stood shoulder-to-shoulder to unveil the bronze statue of their mother in the Sunken Garden, which became a place of solace for Diana before her death in 1997. The garden was replanted with 4,000 of Diana’s favourite flowers in honour of the event.
Kisses for their aunts: Lady Sarah McCorquodale, 66, left, beamed as she greeted her nephew Prince Harry, 36, with a kiss on the cheek in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace. Right, Prince William, 39, with Lady Jane Fellowes, 64
Lovely to see you! Prince Harry shared a light-hearted moment with his uncle and aunts during the short event this afternoon
Precious moments: The aunts, Princess Diana’s older sisters, looked delighted to see their nephews at the intimate event. The statue was unveiled in the Sunken Garden – one of Diana’s favourite spots – on what would have been her 60th birthday
Family time: Prince Harry chats to his aunt Lady Jane Fellowes and uncle Earl Spencer at the unveiling of the statue today
Harry also spoke to Earl Spencer, his mother’s brother, at the Spencer-dominated event, shaking his hand
In good spirits: Earl Spencer, who oversees the family estate of Althorp, smiled as he chatted to Prince Harry today
The Duke of Sussex (centre) with his aunt Lady Jane Fellowes and uncle Earl Spencer, making them laugh
The Duke of Cambridge (left) and Duke of Sussex look at a statue they commissioned of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales
Admiring: Sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, Earl Spencer and Lady Sarah McCorquodale after the unveiling of the statue
The statue, made by Ian Rank-Broadley, shows Diana with her arms around two children, and towered over the brothers as they revealed it to the world this afternoon.
During the engagement Harry clapped his hands with excitement before the sculpture was revealed. William appeared far more serious during the short ceremony and the awkward walk to the Sunken Garden.
In a joint statement released this afternoon, the brothers said: ‘Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy.’
They added: ‘Today, on what would have been our Mother’s 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.
‘Thank you to Ian Rank-Broadley, Pip Morrison and their teams for their outstanding work, to the friends and donors who helped make this happen, and to all those around the world who keep our mother’s memory alive.’
The Sunken Garden’s designer Pip Morrison was stood nearby and she could be overheard telling the royal brothers ‘It’s a collaborative effort’. When the two dukes got into place either side of the statue William said ‘ready?’ before they pulled off the cloth and the guests applauded.
The brothers smiled as at the same time they pulled away the green cover to reveal the bronze sculpture by Ian Rank-Broadley
The bronze made by Ian Rank-Broadley shows Diana with her arms around two children, and towered over the brothers as they revealed it to the world this afternoon.
A smiling Duke of Sussex after the unveiling a statue commissioned of his mother Diana
The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex arrive for the unveiling, putting aside any differences they’ve faced
Lady Sarah, Lady Jane and Charles, Earl Spencer, have all remained close to their nephews since Princess Diana’s death.
Charles and his wife Karen sat front row at Prince William’s 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton, with his three daughters and one son in the row just behind. In pride of place next to the Middleton family too was Lady Sarah and Lady Jane, while Lady Anne Wake-Walker, Diana’s aunt also had a place in the pew. Harry was also seen chatting to his uncle before the ceremony.
The Spencers were also in attendance at Harry’s wedding to Meghan in 2018.
In 2019, the Sussexes shared a photo of Archie’s christening, which showed the Duke and Duchess with their son and Lady Jane and Sarah alongside the Duchess of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales, Doria Ragland, The Duke of Cambridge and The Duchess of Cambridge in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.
They didn’t attend the christenings of the Cambridge children, however neither did Charles’ siblings.
Members of the statue committee who were tasked in 2017 with commissioning and privately raising funds for the creation of the statue stood nearby.
Lady Sarah was on the committee and her five colleagues included Diana’s close friend, Julia Samuel, who is a godparent of Prince George, and John Barnes, chief executive of Historic Royal Palaces, the charity which looks after a number of royal sites.
The committee was chaired by Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, William and Harry’s former principal private secretary, and it also included Gerry Farrell, director of the Sladmore Gallery, which specialises in sculpture, as well as financier Guy Monson, a former trustee of the royal brothers’ charitable foundation.
Guests also included Kensington Palace head gardener Gary James, and Graham Dillamore, deputy head of gardens and estates at Historic Royal Palaces. Historic Royal Palaces chairman Rupert Gavin also attended.