What Prince William Just Proved During Saudi Arabia Trip Amid Heckling and Royal Family Chaos
The revelations of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor‘s communications with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are continuing to be a problem for the royal family and overshadowing key visits around the world.
Prince William traveled to Saudi Arabia for a three-day visit, where he is having talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Knowing that his disgraced uncle is still in the headlines, Kensington Palace released a statement ahead of the future king’s trip.
A spokesperson for William and the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) said, “I can confirm the Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”
Buckingham Palace added that it would “stand ready to support” Thames Valley Police if approached over claims involving the king’s brother.
However, William was still heckled by someone about Andrew on Feb. 10 while he was on his way to MISK Sports City, Riyadh, where he met with young people to discuss how using the soccer facilities and learning about the sport has improved their wellbeing.
In a video circulating online, one person, who is believed to be a journalist, can be heard asking William: “Sir, to what extent do you think the royal family has done enough around the Andrew and Epstein issue?”
While it’s not clear whether the Prince of Wales heard the question or just ignored it, one expert says there is good coming out of this trip as seen through William’s interactions with his hosts.
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.”
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “There is clear symmetry, both royals are matching and mirroring each other’s actions, whilst their eyes are bright and engaged. Prince William is very good at building rapport.
“There is genuine enjoyment on both faces with crows’ feet and laugh lines. There is clearly a real connection and respect. They have strong reciprocity. They both hold their arms in front of them. This can be seen as a reserved protective gesture. But the fact they are both exhibiting this gesture at the same time alludes to a strong bond being built.”
Stanton added that the way the Prince of Wales interacts with other world leaders, especially given the current times, shows that he really is the “backbone” of the royal family, noting, “These kinds of diplomatic visits are beginning to become second nature to William. He is truly the backbone of the modern monarchy, and the clear signs of the rapport he has been able to build with Mohammed bin Salman are a testament to this.
“As he takes on an increasingly leading role in the work of the royal family, his exceptional talent for diplomacy is becoming more and more apparent. He will be a great King when he eventually assumes the throne.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
