Theresa May, Merkel and Macron caught in 'power-jostling' at EU summit – who is 'ALPHA'?

Theresa May, 61, appeared to be sharing plenty of laughs with Angela Merkel, 62, and Emmanuel Macron, 39.

The trio were captured on camera smiling and gesticulating as they huddled in a close group to talk.

But behind the smiles, there was ‘power-jostling’ at play – but which leader came out on top?

Author and body language expert Judi James explained to Express.co.uk the truth behind the seemingly jovial atmosphere.

Analysing the initial impression from the photos, Judi said: “There were times when this all looked like a relaxed and jolly meeting of three good friends, but the subtler body language signals would suggest we shouldn’t underestimate the physical and emotional effort put in by Theresa May to make it so.

“Hitting the ground running during what looked like the red carpet at the Bafta’s, May’s signature head teacher approach was obvious from her commanding head tilt to the right, using head batons and raised brows for added emphasis.

“The tendons of her neck were at full stretch showing decisive determination. This was the version of May that you know not to mess with.

“The cool kids, meanwhile, were busy endorsing their pack credentials.

“Junker embraced Macron like a long-lost son and the two men hugged so tightly that Macron’s right eyeball almost disappeared into Junker’s right ear.”

However, despite the desperation to appear cool, calm and collected, there was more going on underneath the surface.

Judi continued: “When Merkel, May and Macron walked towards the cameras in formation there was some not-so-subtle power-jostling going on beneath the veneer of jovial bonhomie.

“Merkel’s hands-out palm display not only made her approach look fun but the size of her gesticulation defined her as the alpha of the trio.

“Macron responded in complimentary style by folding his arms to listen but as May fought to keep up in the middle it was noticeable that much of the chat between Merkel and Macron arched across her.”

But it was not all bad news for the British PM, as Judi explained: “The encouraging thing was that nobody was going to put Theresa in the corner.

“Having been cold-shouldered at EU summits before she resolutely kept in step, waving one hand in a winding gesture to mirror Merkel and create a look of visual rapport and symmetry that might not have been felt in reality.”

Robin Kermode, body language expert and author, agrees that Merkel is the dominant force in the trio. Commenting on the photos, he said: “Macron is relaxed enough to cross his arms. This is not the usual defensive hand crossing gesture. Instead his shoulders are down and his smile appears to be genuine, as does May’s smile.

“Here Merkel, as usual, is slightly in front of the group, as if ‘hosting’. All three are genuinely laughing.

“Macron has a high chin – as if he’s playing high status, albeit a relaxed one. May, as usual has a slightly bowed head and seems pleased that the group is a friendly one today.

“Merkel’s body language is open and relaxed and her hand gesture is both open and strong. May has her hands behind her back with a bowed head. This can be open but also could appear more contrite.”

The video footage of the three together also shows May at a “disadvantage”, Robin revealed. Analysing the clip, Robin said: “However you voted on Brexit, we all realise we have to move forward. This is a highly encouraging video showing a group of leaders trying to move forward – and that can only be a good thing.

“It’s also a group of people aware that they are being filmed, so, however relaxed they try to be, it would be a different conversation and different body language away from the cameras.

“They are all standing pretty close together, almost like school children exchanging secrets in the playground. They look like equals and seem to be quite comfortable listening to what each other has to say.

“May is always slightly behind here and has her head slightly bowed most of the time. Merkel tends to hold her head more upright and is usually slightly in front ‘leading’ or ‘shepherding’ the group. Macron tends to hold his head upright and seems more physically confident than the other two. Both women slightly lower their heads when listening. Macron stays upright but still facially calm and open.

“All three generally use the solar plexus level (located in the mid- abdomen) as their default hand placement. This is a good open and conciliatory area.

“Macron and Merkel use their hands when they speak to draw focus to what they’re saying more than May. But May is carrying a handbag, which puts her at a disadvantage so she only has one hand to gesture with. 

“May does a few emphatic hand gestures with her right hand and directs a lot of gestures towards herself, pointing to her chest. These are quite definite, sharp gestures as if she is using them to punctuate her speech.

“May and Merkel both speak covering their hands – like doubles tennis players discussing tactics between points.

“Macron sometimes has a downturned mouth as if to show that he is carefully considering what he is being told. However, Macron smiles more than the others do and spots friends and colleagues as they walk. Whereas May and Merkel almost act as if the other people aren’t there.

“At one point May seems to openly facially ridicule a comment by Macron. A few minutes later Macron uses the same facial gesture of scepticism but slightly more subtley. Merkel seems more facially diplomatic here, lowering her head to give status to the person talking and smiling to encourage them. May seems less facially guarded than the other two.

“At the end of the video, it is Merkel who hangs back to engage with May as they enter the main room. This is a good sign for all of us who wish the talks to go well.”