2024-03-24 01:41:25
“Conflicting signals” – what Kate’s body language reveals
Updated March 23, 2024 – 11:49 amReading time: 2 min.
Princess Kate made her cancer public with a moving video. But it’s not just her words that are tragic, as body language expert Judi James says.
It’s a bold step that Princess Kate took on Friday. The 42-year-old didn’t just announce that she had cancer – she did it in front of a camera. Instead of a written statement (usual for the Royal Family), Kate chose a personal stage – put herself in the spotlight to share what were probably the darkest moments of her life with the world.
A two-minute video for which Kate is celebrated. Because it makes the wife of the heir to the British throne, who always seems so perfect, approachable, human and fragile. Kate is marked by the illness and the associated chemotherapy and tries not to hide her paleness and the dark circles under her eyes behind make-up. Her clothing is casual and her styling is subtle. She is still elegant and graceful, but she has taken off the flawless mask.
An internal battle between determination and fear
The 42-year-old speaks calmly and thoughtfully directly into the camera, thanking her for her understanding and sympathy. She reveals how hard the past few months have been for her and her family and talks about the path that still lies ahead of her. You can read the message in full here.
But it’s not just Kate’s words that reveal a deep tragedy, as British body language expert Judi James tells the Mirror. There are also “contradictory signals” in her gestures that reveal an inner struggle between determination and fear.
The fact that the princess decided to appear in front of the camera alone suggests her “strength and willpower”. “With her head held high, she shows so many signs of strength, determination and resilience,” said Judi James. “Her left eyebrow is raised, which is usually an expression of humor, while her lips purse and her eyes narrow to show determination as she talks about her recovery and her need for ‘time, space and privacy’.”
“It’s almost impossible to watch this performance without crying”
According to Judi James, when it comes to her family, you can notice the most noticeable change in Kate. This is particularly clear from her hand movements. They often have a reassuring effect when it comes to the illness. However, the fact that the mother of three crosses her fingers as soon as she talks about the effects on her children shows her concern.
“Your left hand raises in the desire to maintain control, but a very light and gentle rubbing of the thumb is a gesture of self-soothing,” says the body language expert. Kate also seems relaxed when she emphasizes that she has William at her side as a “great source of comfort and reassurance.” A gentle smile even flashed across her face.
Overall, Judi James rates the 42-year-old’s performance as very authentic and comprehensible. It is a moving video and “almost impossible to watch this courageous solo performance by Kate without crying yourself,” said the body language expert.