A reaction to say the least… not very warm. Thursday November 14, Prince William visited the University of Ulster in Belfast. Usually rather (very) popular, I was perhaps expecting more serenity. It didn't happen. He even received boos and protests when he returned to his car. The hecklers? Pro-Palestinian activists chanting the slogan “let gaza alive”.
Through cries, the group of around thirty people also demanded more action from the future king. Last February, in a press release, William denounced the “human cost” of the conflict in the Middle East. “Like so many others, I want to see an end to the fighting as quickly as possible”he also wrote. Faced with this manifestation of anger, he did not react. He only pretended not to hear what was happening and continued to smile and shake his hand as if nothing had happened.
According to an expert, William had the “ideal reaction model”
Body language expert for the British newspaper The Mirror, Judi James has deciphered this gesture. She explained that William's reaction to the booing stemmed above all from a very codified behavior. In any case, he and his father Charles must always remain neutral. Thus, according to her, the heir to the throne chose the “ideal” reaction model.
She explained why: “William is the perfect royal role model in terms of responding to hecklers. His father Charles always used extreme performances of unconsciousness, whether he was targeted by gunfire, eggs, or screams from the crowd. It's a good delivery technique and William seems to be trying to copy it, although there is some body language that suggests he is feeling rather vulnerable or awkward. »
“Modest and rather self-effacing” body language
Judi James also deciphered the actions of Kate Middleton's husband. Gestures which, despite what he would no doubt have liked to let appear, denoted a certain unease.
“As he walks to his car, he makes three self-touching gestures, touching and pulling on his tie. »
Other than that, his body language remained pretty decent.
“Other than that, he keeps his body language modest and rather self-effacing, making small hand signals and a shy smile. » A good way to keep anger at bay, and not add more fuel to the fire.
