Princess Anne has ‘soft power’ and is Queen’s ‘mirror image’ says body language expert

Princess Anne’s ability to connect with others through her “soft power” and confident presence has been highlighted by a body language expert, who describes her as a “mirror image” of her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Despite being 64 years old, Princess Anne’s social skills and commanding presence continue to set her apart within the Royal Family.

Darren Stanton, a body language expert speaking on behalf of Betfair Slingo, elaborated on how Princess Anne excels in maintaining strong eye contact during social interactions, a trait that reflects her confidence and ease in these settings. According to Stanton, Princess Anne does not exhibit any of the common signs of nervousness or discomfort, such as hand-rubbing or touching accessories, which are behaviors often observed in other royals, including King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Edward.

Stanton noted that Princess Anne’s poise and confidence closely mirror those of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II. He described the Queen as someone who, despite her small stature, could instantly command a room with her presence, a quality that Princess Anne has inherited. This balance of confidence without arrogance has contributed to Princess Anne’s widespread respect and likability among those she meets.

Princess Anne’s return to royal duties has been a relief to royal watchers, especially after her hospitalization in June following a horse riding accident. She sustained a concussion and minor injuries but has since made a full recovery. Last month, she resumed her official engagements, including opening a new A&E unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. During this appearance, she wore a white and blue floral dress, paired with a dark cropped blazer and her signature navy blue gloves, despite the hot July weather. The gloves, a consistent part of her attire, are worn not for fashion but for hygiene reasons, as she often shakes hands with many people during her public engagements.

This practice of wearing gloves, once common among royal women, has become less prevalent, with figures like Princess Kate and Duchess Sophie opting not to wear them, and Queen Camilla doing so only occasionally. In contrast, Princess Diana famously chose to forgo gloves to have direct physical contact with those she met, as noted by Eleri Lynn, curator of the Kensington Palace exhibit *Diana: Her Fashion Story*. Diana believed in the importance of holding hands and making direct connections with people during her visits, which was a departure from traditional royal protocol.