Lip-Reading The Royals: A Wedding Whisper Challenge

Lip-readers have revealed what was said during the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, including the moments that weren't picked up by microphones. Lip-reading is a technique that involves 'listening' with the eyes by watching the speaker's lips, tongue, teeth, facial expressions, movements, and gestures. Lip-readers were able to reveal that Harry told Meghan, You look amazing, and that Meghan asked Harry if they should kiss outside the church, to which he replied, Yeah.

Lip-reading the Queen

Lip reading is a challenging task, even for experts, and the Queen's reserved manner of speaking and carrying herself makes their job even tougher. Lip readers must pay close attention to the shape of the lips, tongue, and even teeth, as well as facial expressions, gestures, and body language. They also rely on their knowledge of typical conversation topics and patterns to fill in any gaps where accurate reading is not possible.

The Queen's reserved nature and speaking style present a unique challenge for lip readers, who often find it easier to interpret those who are more expressive and animated. However, lip readers are up for the task, and when it comes to major events like royal weddings, some of the best lip readers are hired by news channels to provide insights and commentary for viewers.

While lip-reading the Queen may be difficult, it is not impossible. With careful observation and interpretation, lip readers can gain insights into what the Queen is saying, even if it is just snippets of conversation. So, while the Queen may be one of the more challenging subjects for lip readers, it doesn't stop them from trying to interpret her words and expressions, especially during significant events.

Lip-reading Harry and Meghan

Lip readers have revealed some of the intimate exchanges between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day, as well as interactions between other members of the royal family and guests.

As Harry saw Meghan in her wedding dress, he said: "You look amazing. I missed you." Meghan replied with a simple "Thank you." Harry then asked Meghan if she was OK, to which she responded with a discreet "Yeah".

Prior to the ceremony, Harry was nervous and asked his brother, Prince William, "Is she here?" William replied: "No, not yet. I don't know actually." Harry also quipped that he wanted to see Meghan in her dress "before my hair goes grey".

The couple also shared a lighthearted moment when they stepped outside the church. Meghan asked Harry, "Do we kiss?" Harry replied with a simple "Yeah".

Lip readers have also revealed that Harry was supported by his brother ahead of the ceremony. Harry said, "I'm alright", in a heart-warming exchange with William, but joked that his "trousers are too tight".

Lip reading is a skilled art that involves 'listening' with your eyes by carefully watching the speaker's lips, tongue, teeth, facial expressions, movements, and gestures. It can be easier to lip-read long sentences than short words.

Lip-reading William and Kate

Lip readers have revealed some of the private moments between Prince William and Kate Middleton during their wedding on April 29, 2011. Millions watched as the couple were wed at Westminster Abbey in London, but even with all the microphones, cameras, videographers, and tape recorders, there were some moments that were missed.

As Prince William moved towards the entrance to Westminster Abbey, his brother, Prince Harry, turned to him and asked, "Ready for this?" to which William gave an assured nod. Kate's father, Michael Middleton, asked her the same question as they headed for the abbey doors, to which she replied, "I am." He then told her, "You look great," a sentiment echoed by the prince as his bride approached him at the altar.

After the wedding, there was some self-congratulation on the part of the royal family. The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, turned to Queen Elizabeth and said, "It all went very well," to which the Queen replied, "Very well."

As Kate walked onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace overlooking the cheering throngs, she exclaimed, "Oh wow!" Prince William turned to her and asked, "Alright? You'll be OK?" Then came the famous kiss witnessed around the world. "OK? Look at me. Let's kiss, OK?" the prince said to his bride.

Lip readers have also revealed some of the couple's other private exchanges during the wedding. As William and Harry walked towards the chapel, William indicated that either his shoes or trousers were "tight." When Kate and William stood on the balcony to share their first kiss, lip readers revealed that they said to each other, "'I love you... let's give them another one!"

Lip-reading the Royal Wedding guests

Lip-reading experts were hired by news channels to provide viewers with snippets of conversations between the royal couple, attendees at the wedding, and other members of the Royal Family.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stood side by side, lip-readers observed Harry saying: "You look amazing." Harry also checked if Meghan was okay as he lifted her veil over her head, asking: "All right?"

Prince Harry and Prince William

Harry's nervousness came through during his conversations with his brother, Prince William, as they made their way to the church. Harry asked William: "Is she here?" William replied: "No, not yet. I don't know, actually." Harry also joked about his trousers being "tight".

Prince William and Kate Middleton

At the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, lip-readers revealed that William turned to his brother, Harry, and asked: "Ready for this?"

Tom Parker Bowles

On his way to the church, Tom Parker Bowles was overheard telling a blonde woman: "I'm not hungover today, so that's really good."

Princess Beatrice and Prince Andrew

Princess Beatrice looked around and asked her father, Prince Andrew: "Where's Mum?" referring to Sarah, Duchess of York.

David Furnish

David Furnish, husband of Sir Elton John, commented on weddings, saying: "That's the greatest thing about weddings, they're supposed to be (beautiful?) but you have to..." before the camera cut away.

Lip-reading the Royal Wedding ceremony

Lip-reading experts have revealed the private moments and exchanges between the couple and guests during the Royal Wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

The Groom's Jitters

Harry's nervousness was evident as he made his way to the church with his brother, Prince William. Harry was seen asking his brother, "Is she here?" to which William replied, "No, not yet. I don't know, actually." Harry's nervousness continued as he made his way down the aisle, performing about 12 self-touching body checks, including pulling at his gloves and wringing his hands.

The Bride's Calm

In contrast, Meghan, who was new to the Royal Family, displayed remarkable composure and calm throughout the ceremony. Body language experts noted that she maintained complete calm as she walked up the aisle alone, with no signs of anxiety or nervousness. Meghan's steady hand during the exchanging of vows was likened to "a ballet dancer's."

Exchanges at the Altar

As Meghan arrived at the altar, Harry greeted her with, "You look amazing," to which Meghan replied, "Thank you." Harry also expressed his relief, saying, "I missed you."

The Queen's Advice

The Queen, known for her controlled way of speaking and minimal body language, was harder to read. However, at one point, she was seen advising her husband, Prince Philip, to "Keep waving."

The Newlyweds' Joy

After the ceremony, as the newlyweds rode in the carriage, Meghan exclaimed, "So much fun!" putting her hand to her chest. Harry, on the other hand, was ready for the reception, saying, "I'm ready for a drink now."

Lip-reading Challenges

Lip-reading the Royal Wedding came with its challenges. The lip-reading experts had to consider facial expressions, gestures, body language, and prior knowledge of likely conversations to fill in the gaps where accurate lip-reading was difficult.

Overall, the lip-reading insights from the Royal Wedding provided a unique perspective on the private moments and exchanges between the couple and guests, adding a layer of intimacy to the grand public spectacle.

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