Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Prince Harry appeared to adopt his royal role with a key gesture during his short trip back to the UK for a special awards ceremony in London, a body language expert has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex attended the annual WellChild awards which celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who keep them healthy and happy, including health, social care and education professionals.
Harry appeared upbeat and relaxed during the event and body language expert Judi James claimed he slipped back into his royal role and looked at his best.
She explained to the Mirror: “With a large ‘Oh’ of happy recognition and anticipation, Harry looks relaxed and delighted on this UK visit, arriving using the kind of pace and intentional gestures to suggest keenness and authentic pleasure.
“He strides into the room, smoothing his tie once with his hand in contrast with the constant and very anxious-looking tie-smoothing and yanking he was seen performing in New York last week. The royal role seems to suit him here and he leans into some very animated handshakes, looking eager to engage his hosts in friendly conversation.
“Posing in a line he adopts a royal body language look with his hands clasped in front of his torso, and the way he sustains and even re-boots an eye and mouth smile while being photographed shows he is keen to show his happiness here to the world.
“His chats with the children shows Harry perhaps at his best, fully immersed in the conversations with the children, leaning forward onto his legs to get to their height and show very active listening skills that will make them feel totally relaxed and important.”
Harry praised the group of “little legends” honoured at the awards for “uplifting all those around you” despite serious illnesses.
Harry told the young people and their families: “Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness and of course your humour. And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you.
“The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me.
“The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.
“For many of us it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity.”