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Prince William and the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) delighted crowds during a recent visit to Powys in Wales. The royal couple met with fans, who waited outside in the rain for them, when they arrived and before they left.

The princess chatted with well-wishers in the crowd for several minutes and even took selfies. But when she was asked to sign an autograph, she had to refuse since that’s against royal protocol.

Now, an expert is breaking down how William’s wife handled that moment.

Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and later moved into media, and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.” He praised Kate, saying she demonstrated a “masterclass in overcoming an awkward situation.” 

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “She’s a real master now in connecting with people very quickly. Kate appreciates that many have stood in the wind and the rain to meet her and William. 

“The man in the crowd was poised with his paper and pen. She qualified her actions by legitimating it by saying we’re not allowed to sign things. She also immediately reached for his hand and said ‘sorry,’ which appeased him. Then she followed that up with a hug. She didn’t make it an issue. It was a masterclass in overcoming a potentially awkward situation with zero fuss and drama.”

Stanton concluded, “It’s clear that Kate cares about people. She felt the need to justify not signing anything, which left the situation as a win. Her smile was genuine and authentic, and his happy expression was also genuine.” 

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