Prince William appeared “nervous” and “intimidated” during his recent meeting with Donald Trump at the reopening of Notre Dame, according to a body language expert.

Darren Stanton, who analyzed the encounter, noted subtle signs of mutual respect between the two men, despite the royal showing clear signs of unease. 

Stanton observed that while Trump typically offers a firm handshake, he adjusted his approach when greeting Prince William, perhaps aware of the importance of maintaining a respectful relationship. 

Stanton, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, highlighted how this meeting reflected both tension and diplomacy.

While Trump didn’t use his usual signature handshake, opting for a modified version instead, it still conveyed a sense of mutual respect. 

His open-palm gesture, a departure from his usual firm grip or downward-facing hand, suggested a more diplomatic approach.

However, Stanton also noted clear signs of unease from Prince William. 

One photograph, in particular, shows the royal seated on a settee looking “on edge” and “a bit intimidated,” while Trump, in contrast, exuded dominance through his use of space, spreading out to assert his presence. This positioning made William appear “minuscule in shot.”

Despite the power dynamics at play, Stanton emphasized that the interaction was genuine, with no signs of inauthenticity or fake smiles. 

It was a moment of real respect between two influential figures, even amid the visible differences in body language.