Prince William today demonstrated his "inner conflict" and "burning desire to set the record straight" afte racism allegations threw the royal family into crisis, a body language expert said.
During a visit to an East London school this morning, the Duke of Cambridge fielded a question about explosive claims made by Harry and Meghan in an interview screened on Sunday.
William, making his first public appearance since the broadcast, defiantly said that the royals were not a racist family.
He also revealed he has yet to speak to Prince Harry since the weekend.
During the interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan alleged that an unnamed royal had expressed concerns about the colour of son Archie's skin before he was born.
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Today William had a chance to hit back, and his demeanour showed a level of "inner conflict", according to body language expert Judi James.
There was no "naked anger" visible, but he made sure there was emphasis on his reply when he denied the racism claim.
There was also an "ironic-sounding" laugh after a question was posed about his brother, Judi said.
She stated: "After his father Charles scudded straight past the press questions yesterday, William’s own grilling today has prompted a series of body language signals from the Prince that suggests some inner conflict between privacy and avoidance and a burning desire to put the record straight.
"William even breaks off from listening to his host to eye-connect with the press and listen to the question about speaking to his brother.
"Like his explosive laugh when asked about any conflict during the launch of the Fab Four, William seems to tilt his head and let out an ironic-sounding laugh before looking back to reply that he hasn’t but that he will do.
"His one raised brow and his part-eye-smile suggest older brother or even parental authority rather than any naked anger, though.
"William’s next move is avoidance as he swerves across to Kate, placing an arm out to steer her away quickly and he touches his face-mask as though keen to keep the barrier in place.
"When asked about racism though he turns back to give what looks like another spontaneous reply, performing a head-baton gesture and another eye-glance for emphasis as he tells the press ‘We are very much not a racist family."
They went to School21 in Stratford, east London, to mark children’s return to classes and the rollout to secondary schools of a mental health project for pupils which Kate launched in primary schools in 2018.
It is understood that William and Kate have decided that there is no need to tailor their programme to avoid subjects uncomfortably close to home.
On Tuesday Buckingham Palace issued a statement saying that issues raised in the interview, including an allegation of racism, were "concerning", and said the matter would be dealt with privately.
