A Body Language Expert Says Kate Middleton Uses the "Fig Pose" at Public Events

Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped out for the unveiling of their portrait at the University of Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum yesterday, and body language experts wasted no time analyzing the couples' vibes.

According to Judi James, who spoke to The Sun about Kate's body language in particular, the Duchess is using two "signature movies" for public outings lately: the "fig-leaf pose" and the "adoring gaze." If the words "fig leaf pose" have you ??? Judi explained that William also uses it:

"In the years before he met Kate, William was often seen performing what is known as the fig-leaf pose, with his hands clasped in front of his torso at roughly the same place as a fig leaf would sit on a classical nude statue. The gesture is a self-protective barrier ritual that tends to be adopted when a guy feels uncomfortable, shy or defensive. It made William look bashful and suggested he felt awkward in front of the press cameras."

Apparently, this is now Kate's go-to move—in part to support William.

"Mirroring signals like-minded thinking and in Kate’s case the way she mimics his pose and makes it look much more elegant and less anxious helps to make William look less defensive or barriered by proxy," Judi says. "It’s a sign of empathy as well as love and the frequent, subliminal mirroring traits the Cambridge’s use are a subtle but powerful sign of their closeness as partners and strong, like-minded bonds as future monarchs."

Then there's the "adoring gaze." Apparently this one involves Kate glancing up at her husband with, you guessed it, an adoring expression on her face, usually involving eye-to-eye contact and a smile.

"If her hand clasp is a mirroring gesture, this gazing seems to be a ‘leading’ ritual, aimed at bringing out William’s happier, fun side during their public appearances," Judi says. "Kate’s smile acts as a state-changer as she teases him silently into smiling back. During a long day packed with royal visits it would be like a mini energy and mood-booster and it is nearly always met with a coy smile or a grin of pleasure from William."