Queen Elizabeth II gave her annual Christmas speech on December 25, which saw her talk about the pandemic and climate change, as well as her late husband Prince Philip. Judi James, a body language expert, has now analyzed the queen's address and is sharing what the royal conveyed between the lines.
Queen Elizabeth II's body language has a special meaning
Queen Elizabeth II "is dressed in simple but stunning red to signal love, renewal, warmth and strong emotion," James told the British outlet Express. "Sitting front-on to the camera she meets it with an upright pose, immaculate grooming and an uncompromising and strong-looking stare."
According to the expert, this signifies the queen's role "as the beacon of solid determination, despite a year of grief, illness and her ongoing family rifts." In her speech, she carries herself differently than she did at her husband's funeral to show her people her strength. Pictures from Prince Philip's memorial service back in April showed the queen slumped over and full of sadness.
"Although it's a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones," the queen said in her Christmas address to the nation. "This year, especially, I understand why." Then, she spoke of finding "great comfort" in the aftermath of Philip's passing, thanks to the numerous tributes to him.
Queen Elizabeth reminisces about Prince Philip in speech
Queen Elizabeth II kept a picture of her and Prince Philip on their diamond wedding day next to her during the speech. While the special occasion took place back in 2007, at that time the monarch could be seen wearing the same brooch that she chose to put on for her Christmas Day speech.
The queen fondly reminisced about her late husband, thinking back on his enormous sense of duty, curiosity and humour during her speech. She recalled how Philip managed to keep the "mischievous, enquiring twinkle" that he had about him until his final days, calling it "as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him."
While Prince Philip would have wanted his family to have a nice Christmas party, the queen only celebrated the holidays with a few other royals due to the pandemic. There was also a Christmas Day shock when an armed intruder was found on the grounds of Windsor Castle with a crossbow. However, he was fortunately caught and arrested, and nobody was hurt.