Prince William Takes Charge As The Royal Family Reunites For A Somber Tribute To The Late Queen

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, for a walkabout in Windsor today.

This marks the first time that the two couples have all appeared in public since Commonwealth Day on March 9, 2020, just weeks before the Covid lockdown.

The purpose of their gathering was to inspect the sea of floral tributes laid outside the gates of the Berkshire estate in tribute to the late Queen.

As they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle together, temporarily putting aside the differences sparked by the Sussexes' departure, they appeared to maintain a significant distance from each other.

All did not appear to be completely well among the feuding couples, who at times appeared uneasy in each other's company.

Body language expert Judy James claimed that this is a phenomenal and unexpected scene that displays some natural caution and awkwardness in the body language, although as a statement of intent, it seems choreographed as something of a loving tribute to the Queen and in some ways the new King, who took what was maybe the first step in speaking of his love for Harry and Meghan in his recent speech.

The four line up together to suggest some form of unity, and it is William, with his puffed chest and air of confidence, who looks like the leader and instigator.

Harry performs some clothing touch anxiety rituals, but Meghan seems to be on hand to offer comfort, support, and encouragement.

When the couple clasps hands, it is Harry's fingers wiggling downward while Meghan's are curled around his palm, with her thumb gently stroking his hand.

She performs touches on his back in small strokes and other tie signs, and there are some moments when she is the one looking across for communication with William and Kate.

Throughout the rest of the walkabout, which is believed to have lasted some 30 minutes, Prince William and Kate, and Meghan and Harry, appeared to stick to their respective couples, perhaps instructed to buy their aids, and barely interacted during the somber occasion.

As they reached the gates, the two couples stopped to look at some of the floral tributes left by well-wishers.

Harry and Meghan stayed close together at the beginning of the event, and often, if they were separated, were seen reaching for each other to hold hands.

As the royals started the long walk to Windsor Castle, the couples split up, each attending to one side of the crowd, which was heard cheering both the couples.

The four greeted members of the public within their respective couplings, as well as separately.

Once they finished meeting the public, they reconvened in front of their vehicles, where they had a brief chat before getting into their respective cars.

According to Judy, when describing the overall tone of the meeting, there were no signs of relaxed engagement or even affection here, but the fact they are lining up together and communicating again is impressive in itself.

It's an adult approach from the new Prince of Wales, and it could have broken a lot of ice in terms of their body language at the funeral and beyond.

The walkabout was a somber occasion, and the royal family appeared to be paying their respects to the late Queen.

They were greeted by applause as they walked along the gates of Windsor Castle together.