'Awkward' Moment at Sandringham, Body Language Expert Claims Prince William Intentionally 'Avoids' Princess Eugenie — Photos

A fleeting gesture during the Royal Family’s Christmas walk at Sandringham has sparked fresh debate, with a body language expert weighing in and the photos from the moment waiting at the end of the article.

What was meant to be a carefully staged display of royal unity over Christmas may have unravelled in a fleeting yet telling moment — at least, according to body language experts and an increasingly attentive online audience.

King Charles III extended invitations to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie to join the family at Sandringham, despite ongoing fallout from the scandal surrounding their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Though Andrew remains ostracised from royal duties following his links to the deceased financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, His Majesty has made a conscious effort to shield his nieces from the wider reputational damage.

The Christmas walk to St Mary Magdalene Church — a hallmark of royal tradition — was seen by many as part of that damage-control strategy.

But a short video captured as the royals left the church has sparked speculation that not everyone was on board with the festive display of solidarity.

William, Prince of Wales, appeared to avoid eye contact with Princess Eugenie as they walked side by side, instead focusing intently on adjusting his scarf. He then stepped forward to join Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their daughter, Princess Charlotte.

The subtle gesture caught the attention of royal watchers who recalled a similar incident in 2018 — when Prince William appeared to ignore Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during her first Christmas at Sandringham.

On that occasion, he too was seen fussing with his scarf, using it, some argue, as a tool of avoidance.

Body language analyst Judi James identified a familiar pattern in the Prince of Wales's behaviour, calling it a "classic act of distraction" often employed in uncomfortable royal encounters.

"It could be coincidental, but William usually does this when there is, what could become, an awkward moment in the offing," she shared.

Judi added that in the video, his gaze remained fixed on the scarf as he walked beside Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, making no effort to engage.

According to her, the tactic mirrors the one used when Andrew reportedly attempted to speak to Prince William at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent in September last year. On that occasion, the Prince of Wales responded with what she described as a "wary poker face".

The body language analyst suggested the scarf manoeuvre served as a polite yet effective way of managing tense moments in public without creating overt conflict.

"As he gets to the bottom of the steps of the church and catches up with Kate, we can even see a little tummy-pat of self-praise and, possibly, relief that he has landed in a very safe social spot again," she noted.

Speculation around the moment intensified in the wake of reports that Princess Eugenie has severed all ties with her father.

A source revealed that the situation resembles the public rift within the Beckham family, stating, "There is no contact at all, nothing. It's Brooklyn Beckham level — she has completely cut him off."

Online, reaction to Prince William's behaviour was sharply divided. Some condemned the Prince of Wales, suggesting a pattern of exclusion and emotional coldness.

"William has always been a nasty person and is jealous of anyone in the family who might get some attention. He has always been like this with Harry so I don't blame Harry for leaving the UK," said one person.

Another commented, "He has the maturity of a young teen," while a third shared, "William is as emotional as his mother, unfortunately he didn't inherit her warmth and good heart [sic]."

However, others pushed back against the criticism. "I disagree. I think he has inherited Diana's warmth, but is also stable and responsible," typed one commenter.

Several people dismissed the analysis entirely, chalking the scarf-fiddling up to winter discomfort rather than royal tension.

"This is no tactic. I also fuss with my scarf because I dislike cold air on my neck. I'm not thinking about avoiding anything but the cold!" said one observer.

Another echoed that sentiment, writing, "Nonsense, he's just come out of church and putting his scarf on. He's walking beside his cousins, if he didn't want to see them then they wouldn't have been there at all. Another non story [sic]."

A final netizen, meanwhile, found the moment entertaining in its own right, remarking, "I do believe he is avoiding her just like he did with Markle. It's quite funny to see just how he tucks it in and then around.🤣"

While the debate continues, what remains clear is that even the smallest royal gestures are now scrutinised under intense public focus.

And whether Prince William's behaviour was strategic, subconscious, or simply a matter of keeping warm, the choreography of royal life remains as captivating as ever.