What Prince Harry Just Did That’s ‘Reminiscent of His Mother’ Princess Diana, According to an Expert

King Charles traveled to Canada earlier this week and delivered a ceremonial speech opening the Canadian Parliament. It was only the second time a monarch has done so since Queen Elizabeth II back in 1977. But as many predicted like clockwork, Prince Harry had to get his name in the headlines as well, just like he always does when the royals have important engagements or events on their calendars.

While the king was in Canada, the Duke of Sussex gave an address in China on the importance of sustainable travel for Travalyst, an organization he co-founded to promote environmentally friendly tourism. And for that, some have accused Harry of again trying to steal the spotlight from his father.

Here’s what a body language expert had to say after analyzing both of their speeches.

Expert says Prince Harry was ‘reminiscent of his mother’ with ‘strong,’ ‘passionate’ speech

Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media and TV as a consultant and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.” After analyzing the Duke of Sussex’s speech, Stanton said he was reminded of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: “You can tell it is something [Harry] is incredibly passionate about. He came across amazingly well, very reminiscent of his mother. His voice was strong, clear, and smooth, his posture was upright and open.” 

The expert added, “No matter who you are, or how well you are trained, speaking in front of that many people is daunting. Harry nailed it. One key thing I look for that signals nerves is voice pitch; variation in pitch is usually a giveaway. Harry’s voice was totally constant, loud with no breaks or cracks. He was totally confident and passionate. Non-verbally, he wasn’t static, this is important when speaking to big crowds as it gives each part of the crowd a chance to get a better look at you and feel more involved in the speech.

“He also was performing regular open palm gestures with the hand that wasn’t holding the microphone. This was a medieval military gesture to show that you were coming in peace and has now found its way into modern conversation as a way of making people subconsciously feel more at ease and show that you have nothing to hide. On the other end of the spectrum, if people’s hands are clenched or in their pockets, it normally suggests they are concealing something.”

King Charles has ‘never come across as confident’ as he did during speech in Canada

Stanton gave Harry’s father high marks too for his speech during the opening of the Canadian Parliament.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, Stanton explained: “In his speech, the king has a very authentic smile and doesn’t mask his emotions. He is also sat upright — both signs of strength and confidence. He stepped into the political landscape slightly with his speech, which is a bold step for a monarch. Charles appeared to be at the pinnacle of his personal power, maintaining open and engaging gestures throughout what was quite a powerful statement. He has arguably never come across this confident and resolute to be the best King possible. 

“Previously, Charles has been known not to fully engage with the crowds, but now it’s something he loves to do. He is much more tactile and open and shows his emotion — a shift we have seen in recent years. His ascension to the throne seems to have really been the making of him, even though it came so late in life.”

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