Body language expert analyzes Meghan Markle’s behavior that left Prince Harry fuming in NYC

Body language expert analyzes Meghan Markle’s behavior that left Prince Harry fuming in NYC
As the couple arrived at the event, Prince Harry reached out to offer his wife support, but Meghan Markle appeared to ignore his gesture (TheStewartofNY/GC Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a painfully awkward moment when the Duchess of Sussex accidentally ignored an affectionate gesture from her better half when they arrived at the Time100 summit in New York on Wednesday, April 23. 

When the couple reached the venue, and as they stepped out of the car, Harry offered his wife support and reached his hand out. However, Meghan seemed not to notice it and hugged those who turned out to meet them, awkwardly leaving Harry hanging.

Now, some body language experts believe this gesture by Markle left Prince Harry fuming as he stood there with his hands in his pockets.



 

Body language experts share insights as Meghan Markle ignores Prince Harry's affectionate gesture

Body language expert Traci Brown shared her thoughts with Nicki Swift and said that Meghan Markle was "totally not thinking of" Prince Harry as they were heading into the event.

She said, "All of his chivalry is ignored, and it surprises him too."

Brown added that when Harry adjusted his pants as Markle ignored him, it was him "adapting" as he was trying "to burn off the stress Markle caused in the situation."

However, Brown added that the bobbing and weaving could be because of Markle possibly "trying to keep moving to get out of the paparazzi's view."

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaks onstage during the 2025 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME)
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaks onstage during the 2025 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025, in New York City (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME)

Moreover, the body language expert added that if this type of behavior continues, "we may be able to guess at marital stress," but also cautioned against jumping to conclusions.

Brown said, "On the way out, they're moving better as a couple, and everything is as we'd expect."

Meanwhile, another body language expert, Judi James, pointed out 'awkwardness' in their interactions and suggested that Prince Harry would have taken on the role of "spare" in his marriage.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Time100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Midtown on April 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/GC Images)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the Time100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center in Midtown on April 23, 2025, in New York City (TheStewartofNY/GC Images)

Speaking to the Daily Mail, James said, "Whether Harry's leading or lurking here, he appears to be in the role of 'spare,' displaying some awkward-looking body language poses while a more assured Meghan takes the starring role."

The body language expert analyzed their arrival and said, "By the time they're arriving for the greetings, it seems to be Meghan very much in the lead while Harry lurks behind. Meghan uses one key non-verbal cue or tell here to elevate her celebrity or star status."

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the 2025 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME)
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaks onstage during the 2025 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025, in New York City (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME)

"While her arms are bent at a 45-degree angle, her hands adopt a 'celebrity wilt', dangling from her bent wrists. This is a gesture that suggests a form of specialness. It's also called the 'broken wing' gesture, and although it suggests physical weakness or vulnerability, it reflects status power as in I don't need my hands as I have people to open my doors and tow me along," James explained.

She added, "It's Meghan who works the cameras here and instigates the gracious-looking hugs of friendship. Harry waits his turn in a way that would have been unthinkable during his time in the royal family. His jacket hangs open, and his expression is more intense and less radiant than his wife's."

Meghan Markle frustrated by not reaching desired celebrity status

Royal author Tom Bower recently revealed that the Duchess of Sussex is frustrated by not reaching the celebrity status she desires.

He claimed that the couple's conflicting ambitions are affecting their relationship, as Markle strives for financial security and fame, and Harry struggles to understand it.

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 11: (Exclusive Coverage) (L-R) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024, in Hollywood, California (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P)

Talking about his upcoming book on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Tom Bower informed The Mirror that he has uncovered some revelations about the couple.

Bower described the couple's situation and said, "This is such a famous couple who are fighting [for themselves] all the time. They are relentless and they are restless, and that’s what makes it so interesting."

Moreover, he claimed that their efforts to stay relevant and powerful continue to push them ahead despite challenges, per the outlet.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were spotted at the Teatro Municipal on August 18, 2024, in Cali, Colombia (Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were spotted at the Teatro Municipal on August 18, 2024, in Cali, Colombia (Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)

He mentioned that the couple is in crisis due to Markle’s desire for fame and financial security, which Harry allegedly does not fully grasp.

"They have a crisis, Meghan wants to be a billionaire celebrity and Harry doesn’t understand that world, other than [understanding that] Meghan wants to be famous," Bower said.

"He’s spent his whole life never having a penny in his pocket. He’s never regularly traveled on the Tube, never had to worry about having a car or a job," he added.

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