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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

Zara and Mike's 'tactile gestures mirror William and Kate' - but there's one difference

One royal couple King Charles counted on to join him for his first day at Royal Ascot as monarch was Zara and Mike Tindall.

Zara is a beloved niece of Charles and she was seen sweetly curtsying before kissing her uncle on the cheek with Mike also warmly shaking the monarch's hand.

The couple is hugely affectionate not only with others but with each other and has often been seen indulging in a spot of PDA.

And one body language expert believes this puts them on par with the Prince and Princess of Wales - however, there is one key difference.

Mike and Zara Tindall at Royal Ascot (Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)

Expert Darren Stanton explained: "Mike and Zara are incredibly close. It’s clear they are each other’s rocks. Their body language shows they are also very tactile with each other, which tells us there is huge trust between them.

"They have a very strong relationship, which is on par with Kate Middleton and Prince William. Mike and Zara often hug each other, hold hands and kiss.

The couple at the first day of the race meeting (Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)
An expert said Mike appeared to let Zara take the lead (Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)

"They’re never afraid to show how they feel in public displays of affection. I can tell they’re very equally matched by their body language. Zara and Mike are both strong personalities, but their dynamic as a couple sees them balance each other out."

However, speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, he pointed out: "Mike and Zara are similar to Kate and William in that they will put on a united front at these types of events. However, Mike and William are incredibly different characteristically.

"Mike is much more hands-on than William. You often see Mike being more physical and active.

Zara and Mike with William and Kate at Royal Ascot in 2019 (REX)

"There is also more pressure placed on Kate and William to adhere to certain protocols, while Mike and Zara still have a certain pressure but not to the same level.

"They have a lot more freedom during engagements, and we see that through their relaxed gestures with each other."

Meanwhile, Darren noted that at Royal Ascot yesterday, it was Mike who hung back and let his wife Zara shine.

He added: "Mike and Zara both have strong personalities in their own right. It's clear the pair aren’t afraid to be themselves around each other and always appear supportive.

"During their appearance at Royal Ascot, Mike wasn’t afraid to let Zara take centre stage. He was seen stepping back a bit to let Zara go ahead and lead the way.

"That is him giving her the limelight. It shows his trust in her and the fact he cares a lot about giving her that independence, too."

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