ComScore

Body Language Expert Says Prince Harry Had a "Clear Emotional Shift" While Discussing His Late Mother on ‘Today’

Princess Diana will always have a special place in Prince Harry's heart. And if you need proof, just take another look at his most recent solo interview on the TODAY show.

To gain further insight into Harry's conversation, we turned to body language expert Darren Stanton (on behalf of Slingo), who analyzed the Duke of Sussex during his exclusive chat with Hoda Kotb earlier this month. If you recall, the royal talked about his family and his visit with Queen Elizabeth. But when he started to discuss his late mother, Stanton explained, "Harry displayed a very sudden change in his emotions. He is someone that is very in tune with his feelings and we immediately saw his body language shift."

"For the majority of the interview, Harry appeared reserved," Stanton continued. "His body language was closed and he displayed gestures of self-reassurance—a sign that he was uneasy and uncomfortable to share too much detail when discussing his private life at home with Meghan and their kids and his relationships with other members of the Royal family."

"However, speaking about Diana there is a warmness about Harry. As he heard Diana’s name, Harry dropped his head down and his eyebrows came together, we saw flashes of sadness across his face—his microexpressions alluding to his true state of mind."

prince harry princess di
Georges De Keerle/Getty Images

While Harry displayed warmth while talking about the late princess, the expert also observed that he's still deeply affected by his family's loss. Stanton said, "Even though he lost his mother over 25 years ago, the feelings he has are clearly still incredibly raw. This was visible when Harry was told by the reporter that Diana would be proud of him. Harry’s voice broke slightly and his pitch went up as he agreed, responding: ‘I’m sure she is proud of me.’"

He continued, "It’s clear Harry still loves her very much and she still plays a very important part in his life. His response to Diana being proud of him spoke volumes and proves he is clearly missing her—now more so than ever. Had he not, he wouldn’t have had that much of an emotional response. It’s clear he holds a sadness that Diana isn’t here to meet [his] wife Meghan and their two children, but to Harry, Diana still has an integral presence in his every day."

We're sure that Princess Di would be one proud mom if she could see her little boy today.

Stay up-to-date on every breaking royal family story by subscribing here.


nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
  • Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
  • Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics

news
/ Danielle Long
Justin Bieber Shares Rare Look at Son Jack Blues and I Noticed They Have This One Detail in Common
news
/ Danielle Long
I Just Realized Where I Know ‘The White Lotus’ Star Carrie Coon From—and I Know Why I Didn't Recognize Her at First
news
/ Danielle Long
Ashley Graham Just Rocked the Ultimate Sunshine-Yellow Bikini—And I'm Obsessed
news
/ Danielle Long
Kate Middleton Just Threw Royal Tradition Out the Window with Her Striking (and Surprising) New Video
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Kate Middleton’s Brother James Posts Super Striking Mother’s Day Pic—& I’m Obsessed with His Wife’s Fisherman Sweater
news
/ Clara Stein
Kate Middleton Releases New Video for UK Mother’s Day After Last Year’s Photo Controversy (and I Spy a Ring Change)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Selena Gomez Is a Vision In Red (& I’m Getting ‘Sex and the City’ Vibes)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Jennifer Garner Asked Ina Garten for Cooking Advice—And Their Exchange Was Peak Bestie Energy
news
/ Clara Stein
Duchess Sophie Wears Elevated Dress & Blazer Combo (and There’s a Hidden Meaning)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Gabrielle Union Posts Adorable Video of ‘First Driving Lesson’ with Daughter Kaavia
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Meghan Markle’s Soap Nails Deserve a Spot on Your Spring Mood Board
news
/ Greta Heggeness
George Clooney Explains Why He’s ‘Not Doing Romantic Films Anymore’ (And, Um, I Don’t Agree)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
King Charles’s Former Gardener Recalls Hilarious Wedding Mix-Up—Involving Princess Eugenie and Beatrice!
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Millie Bobby Brown Is Nearly Unrecognizable with Her New Hair
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Fergie Shares Rare Childhood Pic & Writes Moving Letter to Her Younger Self After Turning 50
news
/ Rachel Bowie
King Charles Is Out of the Hospital & This Royal Was the First to Visit (It’s Not Who You Would Expect!)
See More