Prince William attended the second day of Royal Ascot without his wife, Kate Middleton, and his demeanor suggested he felt her absence, according to a body language expert.

As part of the Royal Procession marking its 200th anniversary, the Prince of Wales rode in the first carriage alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.

His participation came amid confusion earlier in the day when Royal Ascot officials had initially listed the Princess of Wales as a carriage guest, only for Kensington Palace to later confirm she would not be attending.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, body language specialist Judi James noted a marked difference in Prince William’s behavior during the event.

“While his father, the King, chatted happily with their guest in the carriage, using animated and good-humoured gestures, William appeared more reserved,” she observed. “He sat back quietly, his posture slightly slumped, looking subdued and reflective without Kate by his side.”