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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Diana's 'block tactic' showed marriage to Charles was 'doomed from outset', says expert

It was 42 years ago to the day that the then Prince Charles announced his engagement to Lady Diana Spencer - and the world thought they were watching the beginning of a fairytale love story.

The couple posed for a series of photographs with Diana showing off her grand engagement ring - and they also gave an interview where Charles made a puzzling remark.

When asked if the pair were in love, Diana replied: "Of course", with her husband-to-be adding: "Whatever in love means."

Of course now more than four decades on, we now know they weren't terribly suited - and despite welcoming two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, the marriage ended after an acrimonious split and then divorce.

Charles and Diana announce their engagement in February 1981 (Mirrorpix)

And a looking back on the infamous interview, body language expert Darren Stanton has spotted several signs that pointed towards the union being "doomed from the outset".

Speaking on behalf of BettingSites.co.uk, he said: "The couple appeared incredibly awkward and nervous throughout the chat. Charles was a particularly unconfident man at this time, and we saw a lot of pacifier gestures from him, which are used for self-reassurance.

"These included tucking his hand inside his jacket or playing with his imaginary cufflinks - both classic signs of feeling uncomfortable and anxious.

King Charles and Princess Diana were married for 15 years (Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
The couple married in July 1981 (Getty Images)

“Meanwhile, Diana had her head down, allowing her fringe to cover her eyes. This was used as a blocking tactic, so she wouldn’t have to physically see the interviewer or camera. It’s clear from the clips that the couple wanted to end the interview as soon as possible.

"During the interview, he admitted to feeling overjoyed and happy. However, he shakes his head from side to side while saying it, which is a contradiction. He was clearly not being truthful when he said he was overjoyed.

The couple split and then divorced in 1996 (AFP/Getty Images)

"Also, when the interviewer made a comment about being in love, Prince Charles said, 'whatever love means'. Diana flashed expressions of horror and shock, which lasted for less than a fifth of a second.

"Regardless of the fact that this was Charles and Diana, there was no depth or affection between them. You would expect any newly engaged couple to be completely besotted with each other, which couldn’t be more different with these two. Diana clearly felt quite vulnerable and anxious, rather than being deeply and passionately in love. "

Meanwhile, Darren also noted a trait in Charles that he appears to have passed to William and Harry.

He added: "During the interview, I also noticed how William and Harry have adopted some of Charles' traits, including placing his hand inside his jacket.

"William and Harry used to do this a lot when they were in front of the cameras. However, as they’ve gained confidence over the years, they no longer tend to make these pacifying gestures.

"They have since grown into adults and developed their own style and behaviours."

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