Carlos III chose not to see most of the family on his vacation
Photo: REUTERS
The life of the British royal family is subject to strict traditions and rituals, so each public appearance of its members is examined “under a microscope” for some signs. June’s Trooping the Color flag ceremony was no exception. Body language expert Judy James analyzed footage of the event for the Daily Express and came to disappointing conclusions for Brits. According to her, the Windsors seem more scattered and constrained than ever, and their arrangement on the balcony indicates internal conflicts.
This year, only working members of the royal family were allowed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the ceremony. “The composition of this ‘thinner’ royal group on the balcony looks like a grin with some teeth missing,” James said. Instead of a cohesive group, there seem to be five clearly conflicting factions, he says: Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Lawrence stand awkwardly at one end, Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton, surrounded by children, pose as part of their radiant but slightly cordoned off family group; King Carlos III and Queen Consort Camila get all the favor of the crowd in the middle; Duke Edward of Edinburgh and Duchess Sofia do their best to forge friendly ties with the Gloucesters on the other end. “It seems that any “Unified Family Group” atmosphere is completely absent,” says the expert, drawing attention to the fact that there were no obstacles to being closer.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the crowds were much larger, as all members of the royal family, both working and non-working, joined her on the balcony. James noted that family members used to look “inspired and excited”, while today’s gaps only remember the departed and exiled: “The dynasty is scattered, leaving the remaining group looking like restless and sacrificed survivors.”
It is worth noting that Trooping the Color is one of the most important events on the annual royal calendar. Traditionally, in June, London hosts a flag-carrying ceremony and military parade. These events are timed to coincide with the birthday of the British monarch. The tradition is as old as it is strange, because Carlos III was born on November 14, but since the 18th century, kings have been officially honored in summer. It turns out that Carlos III chose not to see most of the family on his vacation.
