Over the years, many affectionate moments between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been captured on camera. Recently, a body language expert examined the meaning behind these public displays of affection.
Meghan’s bond with her husband, Prince Harry, is clear during their public appearances. While social media users often share their own opinions on these moments, a body language expert has explained the deeper significance of their public displays of affection.
Since the start, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced doubt about their relationship. In his book Spare, Prince Harry shared what happened when he introduced Meghan to his family in 2016.
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He said his father, King Charles III, initially liked Meghan, but his brother, Prince William, was more hesitant, even calling Meghan “an American actress.”
Although Prince Harry didn’t name anyone, he hinted that other family members also felt uneasy. In a January 2023 interview, Harry reflected on how his family initially reacted poorly to Meghan, noting, “Right from the beginning, before they even had a chance to know her. And the UK press jumped on that.”
When asked if mistrust played a role, Harry explained, “The fact that she was American, an actress, divorced, Black, biracial with a Black mother. Those were just some of the common stereotypes that fuel the British press.”
Despite the early resistance, Prince Harry continued the relationship. He proposed in 2017, and they married in May 2018. A year later, in May 2019, they welcomed their son, Prince Archie.
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they would step down as “senior” royals to become financially independent. Their statement explained they wanted a new, progressive role within the royal institution.
They also planned to split time between the UK and North America. Reports suggested that neither Queen Elizabeth II nor Prince William was told of their plan before the announcement, causing disappointment in the royal family. Many felt “hurt” by the couple’s decision.
Later, in June 2021, they welcomed their second child, daughter Princess Lilibet. Since then, Harry and Meghan’s relationship has faced even more public attention. Meghan has also stepped back from public life in England.
She joined Harry for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022 but did not return for King Charles III’s coronation. Recently, Harry has made more solo appearances, including trips to New York and the UK for charity work, while Meghan stays mostly in California. According to biographer Phil Dampier, Harry seems to be seeking a new purpose in life.
“Harry sometimes feels like a spare part and often seems unhappy when with Meghan at events in California,” Dampier noted. Meghan prefers to remain in California, while Harry takes on more independent projects.
Their dynamic, however, still draws public interest. Meghan often shows affection toward Harry in public by holding his hand or placing a hand on his back. Body language expert Judi James says Meghan’s physical touches may reflect their strong bond.
James noted that Meghan sometimes holds Harry with both hands, a gesture known as the “double clutch.” This might signal a feeling of “possession.”
Meghan has also often been seen holding Harry’s arm instead of his hand. This “clingy clutch” suggests a need to keep Harry close, which James says may even hint at “a gesture of ownership.”
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Another common gesture is Meghan’s hand on Harry’s knee, which James described as a “sensual” sign of attraction and a “signal of ownership.”
Beyond showing closeness, Meghan’s touch may also reveal a “more maternal form of ownership,” according to James. The Duchess is often seen placing a hand on her husband’s thigh or knee, as she did at the ESPY Awards.
When Meghan holds Harry’s arm, James says it shows she admires his strength and masculinity. It’s a subtle way for her to stay involved in the spotlight with Harry.
Moreover, Meghan sometimes holds Harry’s hand in a “double clasp” or “hand sandwich,” a gesture that enhances their image as a “romantic couple.”
Another gesture that body language experts notice is Meghan’s hand on Harry’s back. James says this might show Meghan’s role as “leader” in social settings, especially since they moved to the US.
Prince Harry’s public touches are usually reciprocated, adding balance to their gestures. While Meghan often uses touch to support or guide him, Harry often places his hand firmly on hers, showing a desire to take the lead and protect his wife.
The public quickly shares its own views on the couple’s interactions. One user said, “It is obvious she is controlling him,” while another added, “She gives him directions, tells him when to stop talking to people.”
Some think Meghan uses these touches for more attention when Harry is in the spotlight. “She clutches him whenever she wants to share the attention on him,” another user wrote, adding that Meghan seems happier while Harry often looks somber.
The public’s fascination with Harry and Meghan’s body language continues to fuel discussions, with people reading deeper meaning into their gestures. Whether viewed as affectionate or controlling, their interactions remain a constant topic of interest.