Body language expert Judi James has analysed the Duke of Sussex’s body language when congratulating the winner of a Diana Award, as he beams with joy talking about his late mother

Prince Harry shows glimpses of his mother’s signature expressions as he joyfully speaks about her while congratulating a Diana Award winner, a body language expert has revealed.

Judi James analysed his behaviour as he appeared at the ceremony set up in memory of his late mother. Sadly, Harry and Prince William’s bitter feud spilled out at the event as the pair failed to appear alongside each other. The Duke of Sussex, who continues to be estranged from his brother since quitting his royal role and moving to the United States in 2020, meanwhile, has recorded a video message which will be played during the virtual Diana Award ceremony on Thursday.

Speaking about the Prince’s body language, Judi said: “Virtual events are challenging in terms of looking relaxed and natural when you’re just staring at a screen but Harry seems to have mastered the art, and appearing as the ‘special guest’ here he allows his passion for the project that has his mother’s name on it and which is all about inspiring young people, to take precedence over any awkwardness or nerves.

Harry congratulated the Diana Awards winners ( 
Image:
Diana awards)
“His very bashful smile at the start is a coy beam that looks so similar to one of his mother’s signature facial expressions, suggesting that the cause and the audience have created some subliminal mirroring.

“Harry giggles slightly at his intro and rocks to one side to suggest an upbeat approach here. Talking about how some problems are too big for one person to tackle appears to strike a chord of empathy as he rubs his hands on his thighs, adding a motivational elbow-pump gesture as he refers to a ‘fairer world’ that seems to be his goal.

“When he mentions ‘my mother’ his fingers mesh together and his hands cup in a collusive ritual, showing how she was an agent for inclusion and togetherness. At the end we see a reappearance of ‘fun’ Harry via a mouth curl and a cute little clapping gesture for the recipients of the awards.”

The Prince of Wales wrote a letter, which was posted on Wednesday, praising the ‘extraordinary’ recipients for their “kindness and compassion”, and telling them: “My mother… would be immensely proud of you.” The prince, in his letter on Kensington Palace headed notepaper, describes how the ” world can feel an uncertain and unfamiliar place”, and he praises the winners for overcoming barriers to “make positive change”.

The royal brothers have a long-running rift which worsened in the wake of the allegations Harry levelled at William and thePrincess of Walesin hisNetflixdocumentary and Spare autobiography.

Their fractured relationship shows no sign of healing despite the health troubles faced by the royal family in 2024. The Diana Award said the charity, which is marking 25 years since it was set up in honour of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, “has the support of both her sons, HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex”.