Chatting up Prince Charles at The Prince's Trust Event, Hello 11/99

(Courtesy of Vicky)

Unfeasibly effusive body language here from the heir to the throne as he chews the fat with Joseph Fiennes at a ceremony in aid of the Prince's Trust. Not know for his stand-up comedy, Joseph's comments nevertheless appear to have tickled Charles, judging by the closed eyes and wide-jawed laugh response. There's a matey closeness to this pose, even though both blokes are breaking the rules as far as gestural etiquette goes; Charles with his direct finger point, which can appear aggressive, and Joseph with that controlling hand on the elbow, which is a tad more theatrical than most royal protocol guidelines would cater for. Joseph looks very much in control in this situation and the arm clutch, direct eye contact and politely lowered chin all from a friendly but higher-status display than the more closed signals from the highly amused prince.
(Judi James)