What do the royals’ hands reveal about their lifestyles?

The eyes are the window to the soul – but what can hands say about a person?

Femail spoke to three British experts to determine what the royals’ hands reveal about their personalities, beauty regimes and lifestyles.  

Body language expert Judi James, Karen J. Gerrard, founder of SEAMS Couturiers Hand Cream, and celebrity stylist Rochelle White analysed photos of six royal hands and offered their professional opinion.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s fingers, for example, signal that she enjoys getting stuck in with practical activities, while Prince Harry’s hands suggest he might be someone of a sensitive disposition. 

But can you work out whose hand is whose? Take a look at each of the six hands below and make your guess – before scrolling down to the bottom to check your answers and read the expert analysis… 

1. 

All that glitters! This royal has an impressive collection of jewels – and perfectly kept nails 

2. 

Time for a cuppa! This royal was snapped enjoying a cup of tea... but who is it?

Time for a cuppa! This royal was snapped enjoying a cup of tea… but who is it?

3. 

Less is more: This royal has opted for natural nails but seems to have hurt her finger!

Less is more: This royal has opted for natural nails but seems to have hurt her finger!

4.

Give him a hand! This royal has no jewellery on, so it might be extra tricky to work out who he is

Give him a hand! This royal has no jewellery on, so it might be extra tricky to work out who he is

5.

What a rock! The engagement ring is front and centre in this picture... but whose is it?

What a rock! The engagement ring is front and centre in this picture… but whose is it? 

6.

Can't quite put my finger on it... This royal is well known but can you guess who they are?

Can’t quite put my finger on it… This royal is well known but can you guess who they are? 

SOLUTIONS

1. The Duchess of Sussex 

Touch of Hollywood glamour: Meghan Markle at Princess Eugenie's wedding in October 2018

Touch of Hollywood glamour: Meghan Markle at Princess Eugenie’s wedding in October 2018

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Rochelle said: ‘Meghan’s style is statement and attention grabbing without it being to in your face. She likes jewellery that has some uniqueness to it, yet still is elegant. I feel she still has a bit of the Hollywood style in some of pieces that she chooses.’

Karen said: ‘The Duchess clearly likes to hold hands with others, we express our feelings through our hands, this shows the Duchess is open with her emotions and enjoys giving love and support to others.

‘Though the royals have a strict code about wearing nail colour, the Duchess likes to wear a solid white which shows she has a young spirit and her friends would know they can count on her to brighten their day. She wears decorative rings which shows she is a creative person with a keen interest in fashion and likes to express her fun personality.

‘Skin starts to losses collagen as we reach our 30s yet Meghan doesn’t have a wrinkle on her hands, I will predict that if she carries on looking after her hands as she has done so far they will stay soft and smooth for many years.’

Judi said: ‘This is a rather theatrical but loving hand gesture with the hand placed quite close to the face, suggesting someone comfortable with being the centre of attention. The pale varnish blends glamour with a tendency to be natural, honest and accessible. The rings are a huge feature but they’re not used to imply wealth and status. These rings look meaningful, with two on one finger, suggesting a New Age, spiritual nature.’ 

2. Prince Charles

Cheers to that! Prince Charles was snapped enjoying a cup of tea in Canada in 2014

Cheers to that! Prince Charles was snapped enjoying a cup of tea in Canada in 2014

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Karen said: ‘Prince Charles hands show signs of swelling which could mean he suffers from water retention.

He wears a signet ring twinned with his wedding ring on the pinky finger of his left hand this could be for comfort due to his swelling fingers, but it also signifies that he upholds traditional values.

‘He often has his left hand or both in his pockets this is a sure sign that he doesn’t like his hands and wants to hide them, but it is also a sign of protecting oneself.

‘He does however grip others hands tightly when meeting them which shows he is kind, caring and interested in others.’

Judi said: ‘These truly beefy and ruddy fingers would always suggest someone who spends their time working manually outside in all weathers like a farmer, although the manicured nails suggest a concern to look well groomed and rather dapper, too. 

‘This looks like someone uncompromising who will stick to their values whatever. A mix of a practical and idealistic personality. These hands will be difficult and unwieldy to live with (they’re struggling with the tea cup!) suggesting someone who will battle the odds to get their own way.’

3. The Duchess of Cambridge

True blue: Duchess of Cambridge looking glamorous at the Tusk Conservation Awards 2018

True blue: Duchess of Cambridge looking glamorous at the Tusk Conservation Awards 2018

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Karen said: ‘The Duchess of Cambridge has long elegant fingers sometimes called piano finger show she has great class and style.

‘She often has the odd plaster or scratch which shows she likes to take part in practical activities.

‘Her nails are a square oval shape which shows she is ladylike and assertive. Her nails are usual without nail colour which shows she likes nature and to spend time outdoors, yet her skin is clear of any age spots so she looks after her skin and wears plenty of SPF.

‘Often seen with both hands clasped on her hand bag in front of her can be a sign of shyness.’ 

Judi said: ‘These elegant, slim fingers suggest an artistic personality although the sticking plaster and bare, well-manicured nails also suggest a down to earth approach.

‘The way the fingers are all presented to view and quite relaxed suggests openness and honesty although they also form a subtle social barrier, suggesting modesty and an inner lack of self confidence too.’

4. Prince William 

Holding court: Prince William used his 'smooth and soft' hands to show leadership qualities during a visit to the Aga Khan Centre, London, in October

Holding court: Prince William used his ‘smooth and soft’ hands to show leadership qualities during a visit to the Aga Khan Centre, London, in October

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Judi said: ‘Tanned and strong-looking, these splayed hands suggest someone who likes to make emphatic points but who will also listen to others. The gesture suggests a desire to take charge but also to understand the problems of the people they deal with. 

‘The splayed fingers might suggest an extrovert, but the way the thumbs are bent at the lower joint show a suppressed but dominant tendency to shyness and caution. 

‘The finger lengths are pretty even, hinting at a straightforward and practical personality rather than a romantic one.’

Karen said: ‘Prince Williams certainly takes good care of his hands the skin is smooth and soft. It’s also a sign that he is fully hydrated and probably drinks plenty of water.’ 

5. The Duchess of Cornwall 

Classic Camilla: The Duchess of Cornwall was snapped in New Zealand in November

Classic Camilla: The Duchess of Cornwall was snapped in New Zealand in November 

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Rochelle said: ‘Looking at Camilla’a ring, I would say the style is very simple, elegant and classic. Very much like how she is in her overall style.’

Judi said: ‘The placing of one hand on top of the other, plus the way the fingers are curled in suggest someone keeping themselves in check and keen to be seen to be doing the right thing. 

‘The tanned skin and unvarnished nails suggest someone who likes to spend time outdoors although not relaxing on a sun bed on an exotic holiday, more like taking walks in the UK countryside.

‘The positioning of the hands suggests a rather private person who would always prefer to stay out of the limelight.’ 

Karen said: ‘The Duchess has slim fingers her ring often twisting around, yet she almost always wears her engagement and wedding ring which shows her total devotion to her husband.

‘She often has her hands held to her sides which shows is a natural position and she feels confident, relaxed and secure

‘At the age of 72 she does have some age spots on her hands but they are of a light tone which shows she looks after her hands and almost certainly uses hand cream.’

6. Prince Harry

A guiding hand: Prince Harry with his hand on Meghan's back during an outing in January

A guiding hand: Prince Harry with his hand on Meghan’s back during an outing in January

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Karen said: ‘Prince Harry’s hands show signs of dry skin and possibly dehydration. He suffers with chapped cuticles, possibly he needs to up his hand care routine, it could be that his hands are often in water. 

‘He may pick at his cuticles often a sign of nervousness this only goes to show Harry’s normal emotional humanitarian personality.

‘He often has his hand across his abdomen tucked inside the front of his jacket, this shows the formal side of his personality

‘When greeting others he uses both hands which is a sign of his own openness, and great empathy for others.’ 

Rochelle said: ‘Harry’s still is very simple, which I think sums him up. He isn’t someone who likes to have statement jewellery and draw attention to himself.’

Judi said: ‘The length and elegance of these fingers suggest a romantic, empathetic personality although the rigid, flattened shape gives clues to a military background too.

‘This is a complex personality though as each finger is bent in a slightly different way, suggesting contrasting traits and behaviours. The thumb is bent but not raised or cocked, suggesting a love of fun that is being suppressed to show someone on their best behaviour.’

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk