10 March 2024 , 11:46
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were "overcome with emotion" after a heartbreaking visit to the family of a teacher killed in a school shooting.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared "tears of joy" as they paid a heartfelt surprise visit to the sister of Irma Garcia. The 48-year-old gave her own life to save her young students during the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, that left 21 dead. Two days later, Irma's husband Joe tragically died from a broken heart.
Visiting the family's home, Meghan and Harry "carefully" navigated the difficult situation with "love", body language expert Judi James tells The Mirror. Exclusively analysing pictures and video from the poignant and emotional trip, she explained: "It's beaming presentations of birthday cakes plus group hugs and self-hugs here."
READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'shed tears of joy' as they make emotional visit to family
The Garcias said the royal pair seemed like family (X)
Meghan visited Uvalde two days after the massacre, (JohnMtz/ X)Judi revealed: "Harry and Meghan show some fond family-style posing on their visit to Irma Garcia's sister. Meghan's smile is especially wide as she poses in the middle with her arms around her hosts, while her very careful offering of a cake with lit candles give her vibe of wanting to be seen as part of the family for the occasion another boost."
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"Harry's arm and hand ritual as he watches is virtually a mime of being close to overcome with emotion," Judi explains after watching the moving footage. "One arm forms a self-hug while the free hand is placed splayed on his upper chest, tilted to signify his heart in a very emphatic ritual of love and sadness."
John, the 22-year-old nephew of Irma, posted pictures of the former working royals' visit on social media, expressing his amazement at the Sussexes' "loving and supportive" behaviour. He claimed Harry and Meghan "fit right in" and that having them around "felt like having family and friends over." The couple gave his mother a birthday cake surprise. Videos show Meghan holding the white desert while grinning warmly.
Standing in the kitchen with their family, she and Harry lead the singing as they joined the touching moment. When Meghan said, "with everyone singing too," a family member retorted, "It's you first and then we'll go after!" Meghan had just lit the candles on the cake and started the countdown to sing happy birthday.
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The Sussexes reportedly wept with joy during their visit (X)
The royal couple also brought a birthday cake (JohnMtz/ X)Meghan wore gold jewellery with her long-sleeve top and black skinny jeans. With her spouse Prince Harry grinning in the background, the actress seemed quite happy as she gave John's mother the adorned gateau. John added that they shed "tears of joy" with the Montecito couple while they reminisced about "intimate memories".
"It truly meant the world that Harry and Meghan showed up to visit the family, there were lots of tears of joy and heartfelt moments," he told HELLO! "They were the kindest, most humble people ever, it was like having family and friends over, having an amazing time together. They fit right in, we laughed a lot and shared intimate memories together."
John said the royal pair has kept the Garcia family in their hearts since the horrific shooting, checking in once every other month. "They keep in touch every other month, sometimes a little longer, but with their busy lives, them visiting truly felt more special," he said. Meghan visited Uvalde two days after the massacre, paying her respects to the victims and honouring 10-year-old Uziyah Garcia's tribute site with a bouquet of roses.