Former Prince Andrew appears to be putting on a show of sadness to make King Charles feel bad on stripping his royal titles and ordering him to leave the Royal Lodge.
According to a body language expert, the “disgraced” royal’s gloomy appearance riding a horse through the Windsor estate may be more "performance" than genuine emotion.
Recent photos of Andrew showed him riding through Windsor with his head bowed, shoulders slumped and eyes cast downward.
Since then, reports have claimed that not only Charles but other members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, are concerned for his mental well-being.
However, expert Judi James described the scene as “almost theatrical,” suggesting Andrew may be trying to gain sympathy from Charles.
"We've been treated to the sight of a variety of different body language mood states from Andrew since the scandal opened up," she told The Mirror.
"Ranging from 'arrogant' and 'attention-seeking royal networker' through to 'defiant' and 'pumped with bravado,’” she continued.
“These photos seem to signal a desire to project a new state though, which could be very neatly labelled 'downcast'."
Accusing him of staging the photos, the expert added, "His head is tilted, and his eyes are cast down at the ground. His shoulders appear slumped, and his mood even seems to have been transferred to his poor horse, which has a similarly glum look.”
“We even have the groom or whoever it is accompanying Andrew appearing to gaze at him with an expression of concern."
"Firstly, the photos are very clear and sharp, with the background thrown into a professional-looking soft focus. And then there is the question of Andrew's pose, which is unusual for someone who has spent much of their life in the saddle."
"Andrew could of course be feeling understandably sad," James said. "But this could also be performative if he's realised the arrogant, defiant displays didn't work."