How Prince William Uses One of Princess Diana’s Body Language Tricks to Connect With Crowds
Prince William has inherited a lot from Princess Diana, including his height and this subtle trick.
Prince William has always been one of the monarchy's most beloved figures. Whether attending a formal royal engagement or stepping out to meet well-wishers, he always knows how to make a lasting impression. This was especially true during his recent appearance in Princetown, England, following the launch of a £250,000 community-led fund. The Prince of Wales consistently shares warm, memorable moments with members of the public, a connection made possible by a subtle communication technique he frequently uses.
Apparently, this is the same trick his mother, Princess Diana, once used for her public appearances, creating another point of similarity between the late princess and her elder son. Body language expert Darren Stanton, speaking to Marie Claire, explained how this technique actually creates “a stronger sense of connection.” Stanton noted that Diana was remarkably tall at 5’10”, while William, who is 6’3”, clearly inherited his height from his mother. When speaking to people, however, Diana would often purposefully reduce her height to connect better.
Stanton explained that she did so to make people feel more comfortable, creating a stronger bond between the speaker and the listener. By lowering her posture, she ensured people felt she was conversing at eye level rather than towering over them. William continues to follow in his mother’s footsteps using the exact same approach. Despite his tall frame, he frequently lowers himself as a subtle gesture of respect and warmth. Princess Kate, who stands at 5’9”, reportedly uses this trick during public interactions as well, a habit she likely picked up from her husband.
Discussing William’s latest outing in Princetown, Staton explained, “The future King appeared relaxed and open, and he is very comfortable moving through the crowd without creating a physical barrier between himself and the public.” He further noted that “William shows a real sense that he is happy to engage with people directly,” the exact same energy Diana brought to her royal appearances in her day. At its core, this simple gesture speaks volumes about the kind of king that he intends to be in the future.