Body Language Expert Reveals Harry And William's Interaction At The Funeral Doesn't Look Good

The April 9 death of Prince Philip brought his grandson, Prince Harry, back to the United Kingdom for the first time since he and Meghan Markle stepped down as working members of the royal family. And of course, it's also the first time he's back home since the couple's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. Markle slammed "the institution," and Prince Harry acknowledged the rift between him and his older brother Prince William. Although the focal point of the funeral was to honor Prince Philip's life, there were still plenty of eyes on the estranged brothers and a lot of analysis.

Even before the April 17 funeral, there was a lot of chatter about the procession because Prince William and Prince Harry would not be walking shoulder to shoulder. Instead, their cousin, Peter Philips, stood in between them. For the record, they didn't stand shoulder to shoulder during their mother Princess Diana's funeral, according to ABC News. Instead, Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer stood in the middle. Nevertheless, there is just so much speculation about the siblings' interactions these days.

Body language expert and Managing Attorney at Hoelscher Gebbia Cepeda PLLC Joseph Hoelscher shared his analysis with Nicki Swift about the brothers' interactions during the televised funeral, observing some "strong tension" between the men who used to be incredibly close. Although many hope that Prince Philip's death will reunite the siblings, Hoelscher theorized to Nicki Swift, "Prince Phillip's passing is not likely to provide a moment of healing." Here's what else he had to say.

Body language expert Joseph Hoelscher exclusively observed to Nicki Swift, "As Prince Harry left his pew and crossed in front of the altar, Prince William and him crossed sight and both averted their gaze from each other, although William did it first." Additionally, he shared, "They were headed towards each other and William obviously refused to look in Harry's direction." 

"Even exiting outside, William kept his back to Harry and avoided eye contact," the expert told Nicki Swift. Additionally, he shared, "They are walking together but it was Harry who inserted himself between Kate Middleton and William." He emphasized, "Harry looks toward William but William never looks Harry in the face." Hoelscher says this shows "Harry is seeking his brother's attention and acknowledgement, perhaps for some rapprochement." However, he notes, "I do not think William is ready."

He continued, "I'm sure the British media will focus on the moment as a good sign, but it's mixed." Hoelscher perceived that "Harry seems eager to engage," but "William, while not overtly offensive, definitely was not receptive." Hoelscher observed, "He deliberately refused to acknowledge Harry's attention more than absolutely required." Additionally, he feels family members dropping back to give the brothers privacy was an effort to "physically distance themselves, indicating that they felt uncomfortable being present, another sign of continued tension."

It should be noted that nobody knows what was said in that conversation and that everyone grieves differently. Nevertheless, the world is captivated by the brothers' relationship, even in mourning.