Meghan's subtle gesture shows 'tide has turned' with Harry, expert claims

07 March 2024 , 11:50

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Harry and Meghan pictured together in 2022 (Image: Getty Images for Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023)

Much has changed since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in 2018 - including a major shift in their relationship, according to a body language expert.

Prior to their marriage, Harry was seen to be taking on the role of Meghan's guide and protector as she prepared to navigate royal life. He stood at her side to guide her through official engagements, charity outings and private meetings with the Queen and the rest of the family.

But, royal watchers were quick to spot a change in the couple's dynamic, suggesting the 'tide turned' some time ago for the Duke and Duchess. Body language expert Judi James first noted a difference when Harry and Meghan sat down for their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, exactly three years ago today.

It's been exactly three years since Harry and Meghan's Oprah interview

The couple sat side by side on garden chairs as they detailed their version of life within the royal family. They made a number of explosive allegations, with Meghan stating that members of the royal family had questioned how dark their son's skin might be, and claiming that Princess Kate had made her cry just days before her wedding.

Harry, meanwhile, alleged that his brother Prince William was "trapped" by the institution, and said his father Charles had cut him off financially.

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Having watched the interview, Judi told The Mirror that their hand gestures showed that while Meghan appeared confident, Harry was not and needed his wife's support.

She explained at the time: "I think when Meghan came to the UK, Harry very much saw himself in the role of overprotective husband that knew that all hell was going to break loose in terms of press and public interest, and was desperate to protect her - albeit that she presented herself as a very confident woman.

"But I think the tide has completely changed looking at the Oprah Winfrey clip. Now she seems to have taken a much more vulnerable Harry back to the US with her and she seems to be more in the role of rescuer and protector with him.

The couple's hand gestures suggested Harry was in need of his wife's support (CBS)

"This hand gesture that you can see, he's got his hand on the chair and she's placed her hand on top. That's almost a maternal looking gesture, it's though it's being used for reassurance and to let him feed off her confidence.

"Clearly she's friends with Oprah, she's used to being in front of the cameras, she's an actress, but to Harry this is a whole new world that he's being judged by and being asked to perform. And it sounds from the clip as though he's going to rip his soul out in front of the camera and tell us about everything."

Judi continued: "Meghan is just sitting there looking very demure, very regal I would say, very elegant. She's got the upturned V gap underneath her armpit which shows a confidence.

"When we feel like we're being bombarded with difficult questions or we're not comfortable women in particular tend to self-diminish, we bring out arms in. But with Meghan she's got that super self-controlled, confident image going on here."

As for her husband - "Harry on the other hand is much less self-assured. He is sat diagonally and he kind of looks a lot more awkward."

Noting that Harry kept his hands down around his crotch, Judi added: "He is doing a male pose, he's got his hand between his legs. It's called the fig leave pose, it is a very self-protective gesture."

The Oprah interview anniversary comes amid speculation that Prince Harry hopes to reunite with the royal family and is potentially considering a return to the UK in light of his father's cancer diagnosis. But he will have his work cut out, according to royal insiders and experts.

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A source close to William previously said there is "no chance" the heir would allow his brother back. "Whatever has been discussed between William and the King is private, but it is absolutely and categorically clear that he (William) would not allow Harry to return. He thought it was a bad idea at the time and he's even more clear now," the insider said.

"If anyone is going to take on more duties it will be William and that isn't even on the agenda for now. His main focus is on his father's health, his family and what is best for the monarchy. There is a zero per cent chance Harry is coming back in any capacity."

Gemma Strong