Experts Reveal The One Thing Harry Did At Philip's Funeral Differently Than His Family
The death of Prince Philip, tragic though it was, even at his advanced age, came at a particularly awkward moment for the British royal family. A little over a year ago, Philip's grandson Harry made the unpopular decision to resign from his duties as a royal and, what's worse, ship out to the (former) colonies and take up residence in Santa Barbara. Even more shockingly, he then proceeded to court the kind of media attention the royals have traditionally shunned, culminating in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. Although the sordid details of the interview were kept from the gravely ill Duke of Edinburgh at the time, it's unlikely that he would have been pleased by all the fallout.
Well, despite Harry's sinking popularity in Britain after his public dirty laundry airing, he nevertheless did the right thing by returning to the U.K. for his grandfather's funeral. How could he, after all, desert the man who'd walked at his side when he had to follow his own mother's casket through the streets of London at the tender age of 12?
Needless to say, Prince Harry may have been feeling some complicated emotions upon his return. The List spoke with two body language experts, certified movement analyst and public speaking coach Robin Konie and life coach/relationship expert Nicole Moore, to get their take on the prince's actions at the funeral and what they may have to tell us about his new role in the family.
Harry's upper lip isn't so stiff
Konie spoke of the funeral procession itself as feeling "almost choreographed as family members fell into line." While almost everyone kept their eyes either straight ahead on the Land Rover bearing Prince Philip's casket or else cast down to show proper reverence for the solemn occasion, Konie noticed that "occasionally, Harry's gaze seemed to drift to the right toward Prince Charles and, at times, Prince William."
Moore also noted how Prince Harry's eyes had a different tale to tell than that of traditional British restraint. She pointed to "a very telling moment during the funeral procession where Harry's body language broke from those around him," saying this occurred when "he looked up into the sky longingly, almost as if he was looking for some sort of direction." She wonders if "perhaps in that moment he was thinking of his mother Diana," which does seem likely as she's been much on the mind of both Harry and his brother William as of late.
Moore thinks this skyward glance may speak of "his desire, at times, to escape from the demands of royal life ... [and] the emotions and tension of the funeral." Well, the funeral is over now and Prince Harry will likely be flying back home pretty soon, but it's to be hoped that he's made some small steps toward reconciliation with the rest of the royal family, as perhaps only that will bring him the peace he seems to long for.
What the royals conveyed through their actions
Throughout the funeral, the body language of other royal family members also revealed their own hidden truths during a decidedly difficult time for all. Speaking to the Daily Mail, body language expert Judi James said that Queen Elizabeth II's body language during the earlier moments of her husband's funeral spoke to the overwhelming grief she felt that day.
Kate Middleton, meanwhile, said to have been a "pillar of strength" for Prince William throughout his feud with Prince Harry, seemed to be at times looking over at her brother-in-law during the service. Body language expert Believing Bruce told The Mirror that it's difficult to know exactly what the duchess was thinking but said that it must have been a "certain type of powerful emotion," including even a look of motherly concern, as Harry was sitting apart.
Following the funeral, Kate as family "peacemaker" emerged, the first to engage Prince Harry in conversation and by doing so, bring him a step closer to his brother. The royal mediator of sorts began what seemed like an animated chat with Harry after the royals exited St. George's Chapel, per The Sunday Times. Then, as her husband joined them, Kate hung back from the pair to allow the brothers a private moment to speak. As Bruce told The Mirror, this move is one that the threesome had done in the past and provides at least a glimmer of hope that their strained relationship can once again be as strong as it was before the royal saga of drama began.