This year’s Trooping the Colour was once again a showcase of royal tradition, military precision—and one unforgettable seven-year-old. As the royal family gathered on the Buckingham Palace balcony, Prince Louis stole the spotlight with his trademark cheeky charm and, more importantly, his heartwarming connection with King Charles.

Beyond the giggles and playful expressions, a leading body language expert says the interaction between grandfather and grandson reveals something deeper—a “heartfelt love” and authentic emotional bond that shines through in their every gesture.

A Playful Prince With a Royal Role Model

Dr. Arthur Cassidy, Chartered member of the British Psychological Society, closely analysed the family’s balcony appearance and identified subtle, yet powerful, signals that speak volumes about their relationship.

“Prince Louis is a fun-loving extrovert who thrives in the limelight,” Dr. Cassidy told HELLO! exclusively. “He has a natural gift for mischief—an emerging royal prankster, confident and full of life. And his playful imitation of King Charles’s royal wave shows just how attuned he is to his grandfather.”

Louis’s animated facial expressions and uninhibited joy aren’t just adorable—they’re cues to his confidence and growing sense of place in public life.

One gesture in particular, the “drop-jaw smile”, stood out to Dr. Cassidy.
“It’s a facial cue that suggests playful mimicry,” he explained. “And that little gap-toothed grin only enhances his comic, endearing personality.”

The Power of a Wave

While Louis had fun soaking in the attention, he also displayed a telling moment of emotional resonance—mirroring his grandfather’s royal wave. According to Dr. Cassidy, that simple hand gesture carries significant weight.

“Hands have always played a crucial role in non-verbal communication,” he noted. “The open palm has long symbolised trust, humility, and loyalty. King Charles uses it with intention—and Louis is already picking up on its meaning.”

“This kind of imitation is key to how children learn social cues,” Dr. Cassidy said. “Louis is absorbing meaningful gestures that reflect emotional connection and shared identity.”

A Bond That Goes Beyond Appearances

The mirroring of gestures and mutual smiles between King and grandson reflect more than affection—they signal empathy, admiration, and emotional closeness.

“It’s a beautiful example of intergenerational bonding,” Dr. Cassidy concluded. “There’s genuine warmth in their interaction. It’s not just performance—it’s personal.”

As King Charles continues to shape the monarchy’s future, it’s clear his legacy will be felt not just through policy and protocol, but in the next generation’s quiet gestures—and wide, mischievous smiles.