Princess Charlene and Prince Albert’s much-loved display at the Rugby World Cup final was ‘awkward’ and ‘trying too hard’ amid rumors about the state of their marriage, body language experts claim

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert’s amorous appearance at the Rugby World Cup final was an example of ‘trying too hard’ amid persistent rumors about the state of their marriage, a body language expert has claimed.

Judi James, an expert from Britain, assessed the Monegasque royals’ very affectionate body language as South Africa triumphed over the All Blacks to claim the world title at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday evening.

As the couple, 45 and 65, hugged each other and appeared unable to keep their hands off each other, Judi explained that the display was ‘awkward’, with the princess leading the way as a stunned prince reacted.

She recalled a visit Prince Albert made to Charlene’s native South Africa during her long stay there, during which she “clung to him like a limpet” during a photo shoot – and reflected that the display of the Monegasque royal family at rugby was not was much different.

Judi also noted that Princess Charlene’s overall body language during public appearances can be difficult to interpret as it “swings between two opposing extremes.”

The expert said: ‘For most of (Charlene’s) performances she will remain tall, stiff and statuesque, looking distant and terribly sad, with the most tragic-looking eye expression, even when she forces a mouth smile.

“But then, rarely but dramatically, she has a habit of using extreme PDAs like the one here.”

Judi added that Charlene was the one ‘leading the PDAs’ at the Stade de France, while Albert’s body language in response indicated he was ‘uncomfortable and slightly shocked’.

She said: ‘Charlene’s excited knuckle bumping looks sweetly childish here and she stares at her husband as if seeking a complimentary response.

“She puts a hand on Albert’s shoulder and moves in for a kiss, though her mouth is still open in a smile and her eyes look away to make this a distracted kiss.”

As the mother-of-two leaned forward to hug her husband in what Judi describes as “one of her signature clinging gestures,” Charlene’s husband responded in a “more muted” manner as he placed his hands on her back.

“When they break the hug, he places one hand firmly on her shoulder, which seems like a gesture of restraint, as if the over-the-top PDA isn’t really his style,” she said.

Charlene even places her tilted head on or toward her husband’s shoulder as she watches the game, in a gesture that makes their outing together feel more like a date.

‘She even uses the moment to show off her wedding ring, as if to signal continued romance and connection.

‘However, there is an air of awkwardness surrounding these poses, with Charlene suddenly trying very hard to signal affectionate pleasure, which catches Albert somewhat off guard.

“Given the ongoing rumors about their marriage, it’s probably good to see her showing a desire to show affection to the world, but often it’s the smaller, subtler signals a couple exchanges between themselves that say the most, rather than this “trying too hard” type of PDA.

As the couple embraced and a jubilant Charlene celebrated South Africa’s triumphant victory over New Zealand, the royals appeared united after months of speculation about their marriage.

This summer, rumors swirled that the couple were living separate lives, with Charlene spending much of her time in Switzerland.

German newspaper Voici reported that the couple co-parented their eight-year-old twins, Jacques and Gabriella, but that their marriage itself was “just for appearances” and that they were a “ceremonial couple.”

However, the couple appeared to put such rumors to rest during the Rugby World Cup final as they looked incredibly close as they cheered from the stands.

Last month, Princess Charlene tried to quell persistent rumors that her marriage to Prince Albert was on the rocks, describing them as ‘exhausting’.

In an earlier interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sierra, Albert said: “I don’t understand all these rumors about us, which hurt me… they are lies.”

For her part, Charlene claims that she is “serene and happy” in her marriage, denying rumors that surfaced in the German and French media that she was now “living in Switzerland” and that her marriage was “ceremonial.”

Speaking to South Africa’s News24, the princess, who shares twins Jacques and Gabriella with Prince Albert, said before her return last month: “I find the rumors (about my marriage) tiring and tiring.”

Earlier in the tournament, the royal couple attended the Rugby World Cup semi-finals, where Charlene was seen punching the air as she watched her native South Africa beat England 16-15.

During the engagement, Charlene and Albert were photographed interacting with the South African players in their dressing room and cheering from the stands.

Charlene’s appearance yesterday followed her absence from a gala event the night before.

Prince Albert and his sister Princess Stephanie of Monaco honored their late parents during a glitzy gala last week.

Both Charlene and the couple’s children – eight-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella – missed the gala.

However, Stephanie’s children joined their mother at the event, at the Monte Carlo Casino, for the Centenary Ball, which paid tribute to the late Prince Ranier III on the 100th year of his birth.

To formally open the ball, Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie shared a sweet moment as they did a ballroom dance together.

Before her rugby appearance yesterday, Charlene’s last public appearance was earlier this month when she launched a new boat for Monaco’s maritime police with her husband and his niece Charlotte Casiraghi, 37.

The boat they inaugurated, the Saint Georges shuttle, is the latest addition to the police fleet. It can reach a speed of 45 knots and will be useful for sea rescues and other missions.