Charles 'showed more vulnerable side' on church trip says body language expert

11 February 2024 , 17:45

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King Charles attended a service at St Mary Magdalene Church today (Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

King Charles today displayed his vulnerable side on his first outing since his cancer shock, a body language expert told us.

His Majesty, 75, waved stoically to members of the public and press at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk. He was all smiles following his poignant thank you note to the public, in which he said he felt "the greatest comfort" after the diagnosis last month.

But a body language expert noted Charles' hunched shoulders as he walked to church today, something she said showed the monarch's "more vulnerable side" amid the difficult time he and his family face. Speaking to the Mirror, Judi James said: "With his shoulders slightly hunched, Charles appears to be displaying his more vulnerable side here, despite the stoic wave to well-wishers.

"He seems to lean rather heavily on the umbrella, using it more as a walking stick while Camilla adopts a more protective presence beside him. Charles’s hail to the royal fans does seem to suggest a genuine appreciation of their support."

The Royal waved warmly to members of the public who gathered outside the church. It mirrored his sentiments in the letter, published last night and shared in full by today's Sunday Mirror. Part of this read: "I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days. As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement."

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Queen Camilla accompanied King Charles to the ceremony (PA)

The King has had to cancel all his public engagements for the foreseeable future so he can receive "appropriate treatment from a specialist team". Buckingham Palace, which confirmed the diagnosis on Monday, said all medical appointments will be held as face-to-face meetings in hospital.

But a source said today the monarch will be find "the boredom" without public engagements challenging. Another source said King Charles will be able to enjoy some pastime, including idiosyncratic passions, like listening to his beloved records of the late Canadian singer Leonard Cohen, specifically the poetic song Take This Waltz, which he has described as "very moving".

Charles is recuperating at Sandringham House in Norfolk, where it is thought he will be visited by Prince William, Princess Kate and his grandchildren this week - the February half-term break. The nation will be grateful for the support, as they were last night after Charles penned the personal and candid message to thank the public for their thoughts.

Bradley Jolly