'Anxious' Prince William shows a 'celebrity-free' gesture on solo US trip

18 September 2023 , 22:30

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Prince William in New York (Image: PA)

Prince William has landed in America ahead of this year's Earthshot Prize finalists being unveiled later this week.

The Prince of Wales is flying solo on the visit with wife Princess Kate staying at home in the UK. He is also set to snub a reunion with his stateside-residing younger brother Prince Harry as the family feud continues.

William, 41, is visiting New York City to promote the environmentalism initiative, which he launched with David Attenborough, 97, in 2020, and plans to attend the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit on Tuesday.

First up, was a stop at the Billion Oyster Project and spoke to its co-founder Pete Malinowski, and a body language expert has claimed the Prince showed "some feelings of anxiety" while also showcasing some of the playful expressions he was known for as a youngster.

Judi James said William might have been feeling anxious (PA)

Judi James told Mirror of his posture and appearance: "That left hand fiddling with his jacket forms a partial barrier ritual, suggesting William is experiencing some feelings of anxiety."

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She continued: "But otherwise his body language suggests a desire to look informal, un-regal and rather sweetly upbeat here. His open-mouthed, rather excited smile and wave is a show-stopper because he’s regurgitated the shy, bashful but also playful facial expression and look that he wore so much as a child. The wave is friendly and, again, a royal and a celebrity-free gesture, with the hand held low to connect in a more accessible, down-to-earth way."

The Prince of Wales appeared ready to listen (PA)

Judi concluded he looked like a man who was prepared to listen to those in front of him. "William also listens intently as the man speaks to him," she explained, "with his hands clasped low in front of his body and his mouth puckered slightly to signal he’s very much there to listen and learn."

It was the first stop in a number of quick succession appearances after William had posted on Twitter it was "so good to be back in the United States". He wrote on the account he shares with Kate: "No one does optimism and ingenuity like the American people, so it's only right we unveil this year's @Earthshotprize Finalists in New York City."

The Prince of Wales feeds fish as he meets with volunteers, students and restauranteurs involved in the Billion Oyster Project on Governors Island (PA)

During his visit, William also met with volunteers, students and restauranteurs involved in the project on Governors Island. The nonprofit organisation is on a mission to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbour through public education initiatives.

Jamie Roberts