Prince William and the Princess of Wales, formerly known as Kate Middleton, announced their engagement to the world on November 16, 2010. However, the proposal actually took place weeks earlier during a romantic getaway in Africa.

Despite the excitement of their engagement, the couple had to keep the news under wraps until they returned home, informed the necessary individuals, and coordinated an official announcement accompanied by a joint interview. This meant that even some of their closest friends remained in the dark until the Palace approved the public revelation.

Recently, a body language expert revisited a wedding that William and Kate attended during this secretive period, highlighting subtle hints that were overlooked by those around them.

Prince William and Kate appeared quite nervous at their friend’s wedding

Darren Stanton, a notable body language and behavioral expert with a background in psychology, has an intriguing past as a police officer, where he honed his skills in detecting truthfulness during suspect interrogations. He later transitioned into media and television, earning the nickname “Human Lie Detector” for his abilities.

Stanton examined video footage from the wedding of Harry Meade and Rosie Bradford, identifying nuanced signals that hinted at the couple’s joyous secret.

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.