Additional Coverage:
- Prince William ‘rewriting royal protocol’ with one move other royals ‘would never attempt’ (themirror.com)
Prince William is redefining royal protocol, a body language expert says, after his recent appearance at the FA Cup final showcased a more approachable and warm side of the royal family. The Prince of Wales attended the match at Wembley Stadium last weekend, where he presented the trophy to Manchester City following their win over Chelsea.
Marking two decades as president of the Football Association, William played an active role during the event. He greeted players with handshakes, presented medals, and handed the silver trophy to defender John Stones and captain Bernardo Silva. Notably, he celebrated alongside the team and even posed for selfies with Manchester City player Rayan Cherki, moments that reflect a break from traditional royal formality.
Darren Stanton, a body language expert commenting for Betfair Casino, highlighted William’s consistently humble and genuine demeanor. He pointed out the prince’s “broad Duchenne smile” – characterized by raised cheeks, laugh lines, and bright eyes – that conveyed genuine joy during interactions. Yet, William maintained a degree of composure with his hands clasped and arms relaxed, blending tradition with a modern touch.
Stanton emphasized that such candid exchanges would have been unthinkable during earlier generations of the royal family. “You would have never seen someone attempt something like this with Prince Philip,” he remarked. The warmth William displays encourages people to feel comfortable enough to engage in moments like selfies, signaling an evolution in how the monarchy connects with the public.
In closing, the expert praised William’s openness, saying it has effectively rewritten the royal playbook. “He exudes such warmth, making him far more approachable than his title might imply,” Stanton said. It’s clear that through his passion for sport and genuine interactions, Prince William is helping to modernize the image of the monarchy.