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British royalty and music royalty came together when King Charles and Sir Elton John appeared together at a youth music workshop and showcase at Apple’s London headquarters. The two attended the event inside the restored Battersea Power Station on Oct. 7.

The king and the legendary musician listened to a live soundcheck and performance by rising singer-songwriter Skye Newman as part of an initiative to help young people build practical skills in the creative industries. But seeing John, who was close friends with the late Princess Diana and was once Team Prince Harry and Meghan, with King Charles had people talking.

Now, a couple of body language experts have weighed in on John and the monarch’s appearance together, and whether the singer is sending a message to the Sussexes.

Sean Johns is a British body language expert who is certified through Joe Navarro’s Body Language Academy and the Paul Ekman Group, and Non-Verbal Intelligence Expert & Founder of BodyLytics.

Johns, who has offered his expertise to several publications over the years including the New York Post and The Sun, told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “The king reads as ‘completely at ease’ and ‘genuinely enjoying himself’ and he and Elton look like old friends, not two famous men posing together. At formal engagements, the king usually keeps his hands clasped behind his back, a classic way of holding yourself in check.

“Here his hands are loose at his sides, he’s clapping along, and he leans right in over the laptops to see what the young musicians are doing. Leaning towards something is a sign of real interest; you don’t do it when you’re just being polite. His smile reaches his eyes too, which is the difference between a genuine smile and a social one.”

Johns added, “The biggest tell is the space between them. In the group photo, he and Elton stand shoulder to shoulder, almost touching. A king’s personal space is far bigger than most people’s: protocol, security and a lifetime of deference keep everyone at a respectful distance. So when he closes that gap himself, it’s a huge sign. He only lets people that close when he trusts them and is comfortable with them.”

Fellow body language expert Judy James, who has authored more than two dozen books including The Body Language Bible: The Hidden Meaning Behind People’s Gestures and Expressions, said that the men appearing together could very well be a message to Harry and Meghan.

James told Express, “Elton was famously a best friend of Diana’s and even sung a moving tribute at her funeral. While Elton grins and waves happily to the fans, Charles looks slightly less comfortable, standing with his hands very firmly and effortfully clasped behind his back, only glancing upward a couple of times before quickly looking down.

“The two men do appear to have colluded on some charity campaigns though, suggesting they must be well past any moments of more conscious awkwardness. Elton’s wide, relaxed smile as he poses alongside Charles though, does seem to imply he is now firmly ‘Team Windsor’ in what could be a silent message to ‘Team Sussex.'”

Things between John and the Duke of Sussex reportedly soured in July following news that the “Rocket Man” hitmaker and the prince lost their lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited, when “Harry asked Elton to donate to Invictus Birmingham. Harry feels John brought him into this whole lawsuit and therefore should help him out with Invictus.” But John said no and told Harry, “I am not an ATM.” 

Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.

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