The Signs Everyone Missed When Prince William and Kate Were Keeping a Big Secret From the World
After dating for several years, Prince William and the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) announced their engagement on Nov. 16, 2010. But the price actually popped the question weeks earlier when the two were vacationing in Africa.
However, they had to keep things under wraps for a while until they got home, told the people they needed, and planned for an official announcement with a joint interview. Therefore, the two had to keep it secret from some of their closest friends until the Palace green-lighted the announcement.
Now, a body language expert is looking back at a wedding William and Kate attended where they couldn’t tell anyone, and the signs that others missed proving that something was going on.
Prince William and Kate appeared quite nervous at their friend’s wedding
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.”
Stanton analyzed video footage of the pair at Harry Meade and Rosie Bradford’s wedding and picked up on what others missed.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Stanton told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “When at Harry Meade and Rosie Bradford’s wedding, their body language suggested they were far less confident and comfortable in public than they normally are. Kate, for instance, was frequently seen brushing her hair. While some of this was likely practical, the regularity of those gestures hinted at nervousness.
“She often clasped her hands together and then touched or adjusted her hair, which are classic signs of nerves or self-soothing behaviour. These gestures are unsurprising now we know the secret they were sitting on. William, too, displayed subtle signs of unease. In several photos, he’s seen with his hands in his pockets, something he rarely does now.”
The expert continued, “From a body language perspective, concealing the palms can subconsciously suggest a desire to hide something or protect oneself. With rumours at the time spreading about a potential engagement in the near future, it wouldn’t have been too difficult to work out what that secret might have been. There were no signs of the easy public displays of affection we see between them now. Their interactions were more reserved and cautious — very much in keeping with a couple trying to stay under the radar.
“Both he and Kate appeared noticeably more nervous, tentative, and uncertain in public — a stark contrast to the poised, confident couple we normally see. As the occasion was just a friend’s wedding, something that shouldn’t normally lead to this level of nerves, all these signs would have suggested the engagement had happened to those with an eagle eye.”
What the expert noticed about the couple during their engagement interview
Stanton also commented on the video in which the couple later shared their happy news with the world.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, he told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “When you look back at that engagement interview, what really stands out is just how reserved and formal both William and Kate appeared. Their body language reflected a sense of stiffness — very ‘stiff upper lip’ — as if they were still learning how to navigate public attention. Kate, in particular, maintained perfect posture: back straight, hands still, slightly angled toward William, giving off a composed and almost ‘finishing school’ impression.
“William displayed clear signs of nervousness. He was wringing his hands, fidgeting with his fingers and his tone was noticeably low. He often looked down rather than maintaining steady eye contact, a stark contrast to the confident, open, and engaging William we see today, who now uses open palm gestures and speaks with ease to both the media and crowds.”
Stanton concluded, “Over time, both of their confidence levels have grown tremendously. Kate, while appearing calm during the interview, spoke softly and seemed far less self-assured than she is now. Today, she carries herself with far more confidence and warmth, her voice stronger and her gestures more natural.
“In terms of their connection, their affection was evident even then. William has always seemed deeply devoted to Kate, and she to him. They’re comfortable showing affection in public, from playful touches to warm, genuine interactions. Something which was quite new for a royal couple at the time.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
