Expert Breaks Down Kate Middleton And Prince William's Stiff Body Language At 2026 BAFTAS

There are plenty of strange things in Prince William and Kate Middleton's marriage that we just can't ignore, but their behavior at the BAFTAs might not be one of them. While the couple's stiff body language on the the BAFTA Awards red carpet set off alarm bells for some onlookers, it's actually probably not a major red flag. In fact, it likely means that all is well at Kensington Palace. "Moments like this are often overinterpreted or misinterpreted when taken in isolation," relationship expert Patrick Wanis exclusively tells Women.

To make proper sense of the couple's body language — which some fans described as "off" — it's important to consider it within the context of their public roles. "A common mistake is projecting a Hollywood standard of passion and public affection onto a royal marriage," Wanis explains. Members of the British royal family have traditionally been quite reserved about public displays of affection. That means the couple's apparent formality with one another is actually quite typical, not another sign that Kate and William's marriage is on the rocks. "In high-profile, highly-scrutinized couples, restraint is not a lack of connection — it's a sign of control, unity, and stability," adds Wanis.

But while Kate Middleton and William, Prince of Wales, look a bit strained and distanced to some eyes, their body language is actually a signal that their marriage is strong. While William and Kate can't escape the relationship rumors, it appears their bond is solid enough that they can turn their focus outward while staying connected. "They move in sync, maintain consistent proximity, and display subtle 'checking' behaviors — brief glances and small adjustments that communicate, 'We are together, we are aligned,'" relationship expert Patrick Wanis tells Women exclusively. "These are the quiet markers of a stable, long-term partnership, not a troubled one." Rather than needing to intensely focus on one another, they're free to attend to their public roles.

In fact, over-the-top affection could actually be more of a red flag, especially for a couple who is famously reserved in public. "In contrast, couples experiencing genuine strain tend to reveal micro-tension — avoidance, forced expressions, or overcompensation through exaggerated affection," says Wanis. "None of those red flags are evident here." He adds that any visible signs of stress likely have more to do with other challenges currently facing the royal family, most notably the scandal of Andrew Mountbatten's recent arrest.