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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jennifer Newton

Queen's two telling poses at Royal Windsor Horse Show reveal true excitement, says expert

The Queen appeared excited, confident and comfortable at the Royal Windsor Horse Show today, a body language expert has said.

Her Majesty, who has been suffering from mobility issues, was seen walking slowly with the aid of a walking stick to her seat, which saw her watch a parade of horses alongside her youngest son Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex.

Shortly after, she looked delighted after she was presented with a trophy after one of her Highland ponies won first place in the show.

Meanwhile, earlier today, she was pictured beaming as she turned up at the show in the passenger seat of her Range Rover to watch the action in the parade ring.

The Queen receives a winners cup at the Royal Windsor Horse Show today (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

The 96-year-old's appearance at the show comes just days after she pulled out of attending the State Opening of Parliament due to health concerns.

And according to body language expert Judi James, the Queen looked at her happiest as she put on a joyful display during her visit.

She told the Mirror: "After the sombre mood at the State Opening of Parliament where her presence was so painfully emphasised by the empty throne and the sight of her son staring mournfully at the crown in front of him, this appearance from a very joyful, chatty and at times excited-looking Queen is a relief and a treat for royal fans.

The Queen sat next to her son Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Wessex (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
The Queen looked delighted to watch a parade of horses alongside Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex (PA)

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"Even her mobility issues looked less worrying as she made her way to her seat and of course, unlike formal appearances, she was able to tailor her movements more comfortably, sitting in the car and chatting to friends through the window at one point.

"In terms of emotional health, the Queen looked almost at her happiest, with animated gesticulation and some relaxed and very open, authentic smiles that often converted to laughter.

The Queen watches proceedings from her car (PA)

"She adopted two key poses when she first sat down: one was a confident and comfortable arm splay, with her elbows on the arms of her chair, and the second was to sit with her hands clasped in her lap and a smile of excitement and expectation before the show started.

"When she was handed her own trophy her open mouth smile of obvious delight made it look as though this was the first trophy she had ever been awarded."

Meanwhile Judi also pointed out she studied the body language of those around the Queen, and they too showed no obvious signs of concern for her.

She explained: "It’s worth studying the body language of those nearest to her too, to spot any signs of suppressed anxiety or desire to hover that might suggest her health is cause for worry.

"In this case it was Edward on hand and he seemed to be enjoying himself almost as much as his mother, leaning towards her to chat but not using any gestures to suggest he was poised to support her or monitoring her for any problems."

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