Body Language Expert Reveals Who’s the Real ‘Leader’ in the Royal Family — It’s Neither Charles Nor William

A body language expert analyzed the royal family's Easter celebration and revealed who has the most commanding presence.

The royal family traditionally attends the Easter Sunday Service at St George’s Chapel, and this year was no different. King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla, and other royals gathered for the annual mass on April 20. Analyzing footage from the event, body language expert Judi James weighed in on their interactions. She noted that Princess Anne stood out with a commanding, leader-like presence.

Despite the absence of the Waleses and the Tindalls, everyone in the royal family looked chirpy and excited for the service. James noted that while Princess Anne’s husband, Sir Timothy Lawrence, did play a key role, it was she who took the lead. Speaking to the Daily Express, James said, “Prior to the arrival of her brother Charles, Anne appeared fully defined in terms of family head and host, waiting by the entrance to the chapel, chatting to the clergyman and greeting family members.” The body language expert added, “Her affection for and friendship with Sophie looked obvious from the warmth of their greeting and the way Anne appeared to immediately say something to make Sophie laugh.”

Royal Family members departing St George's Chapel after the Easter Service, 2025.

Princess Anne seems to be using an umbrella for support as she walks to her car. She also arrived by car.
Hope she isn't injured.pic.twitter.com/C8IAtFoGS1

— Helen Rosa (@HelenRosamond11) April 20, 2025

While James had kind words for Anne, she was less than pleased with her disgraced brother, Prince Andrew. She told The Mirror, “Andrew's body language signals were all about a kind of cocky arrogance here. With his jacket undone, he positioned himself in the gap in the middle of the group where he stood with his legs splayed in a pose of confidence.” After the fallout from his alleged connections to a Chinese spy, Andrew was absent from last year’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham estate.

Hence, his bold appearance alongside ex-wife Sarah Ferguson came as a surprise. James, however, appreciated Ferguson’s ‘newfound confidence’ during the celebrations. She said, “Her expression looked severe at first as she stopped to chat with Anne's husband, Tim, before breaking out into laughter and moving off with the kind of animated enthusiasm that suggested a self-appointed-looking acceptance of being back in the fold.” The Duchess of York was also described as being an 'energized best’.

While royal watchers were thrilled by some rare royal faces, including James, The Earl of Wessex, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their three children were missing. A royal insider told The Mirror that William told Charles that he “enjoys some extended time as a family over Easter.” The source added, “They are choosing to spend time together as a family before the children go back to school.” As reported by the Daily Mail, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the 11 am service at St. Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday, alongside Middleton’s parent’s Carole and Michael. They also skipped Easter service last year with the royal family as the Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer.