Why do royals walk with hands behind back?
Isabella Bartlett
Updated on January 06, 2026
“In contrast, the Duke of Edinburgh has a habit of walking around with his hands clasped behind his back,” Collett added. “This is what I call the crane posture. It's a dominant signal. “It shows that he's so self-assured that he doesn't feel the need to defend himself from frontal attack.”
Why does the Queens husband walk behind her?
Ascending to the throne meant that Elizabeth took on royal duties she'd spent years preparing for. But Philip had to adjust to being his wife's consort, such as needing to walk a few steps behind her in public.Why are there two steps behind the Queen?
The custom may have caused tension early in their marriage“He has a great wit, was a wonderful naval man, a wonderful family man,” Smith explained. After his young wife becomes queen, he added, “He is going to walk two steps behind her, wanting to feel the head of the family.