Harry displayed 'small desire to self-protect' as he arrived at Invictus Games

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Harry displayed
Harry displayed 'small desire to self-protect' as he arrived at Invictus Games

The Duke of Sussex is currently in Dusseldorf, Germany where he is attending the bi-annual Invictus Games which he launched in 2014 to support wounded servicemen and women.

His solo arrival in the country came just hours after he was pictured by tourists visiting St George's Chapel in Windsor to pay his respects at his late grandmother's tomb in the King George VI Chapel.

After departing England, Harry boarded a British Airways flight to Germany where he was pictured attending a welcome ceremony at Dusseldorf Town Hall. These two appearances were examined by leading body language expert Judi James who claimed Harry "displayed a small desire to self-protect" once he was on duty.

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Harry displayed 'small desire to self-protect' as he arrived at Invictus Games qhiqqkiuqiqqxinvLeading body language expert Judi James spoke about Prince Harry as he arrived in Germany (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Speaking to FEMAIL about the Prince's body language as he made his way into the venue, Judi claimed he showed mixed signals of wishing to self-protect, but also gave off a sense of confidence and enthusiasm.

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Comparing his appearance at the Games to his appearance just hours earlier in Windsor, Judi told the website: "Following his informal, jacket-less and tie-less appearance at the Windsor chapel the day before, Harry arrives in Germany looking immaculately and formally suited and booted, even adding to the impression of formality by buttoning the top button of his jacket and keeping his hand on the button to emphasise the point."

She added that the gesture "also provides a secondary role though as a barrier gesture". Judi explained that royals "aren’t allowed to fold their arms or use pronounced self-protective barrier rituals." Explaining what barrier gestures other royals use, she added: "Charles will play with his cuffs and the late Queen would touch the handle of her handbag in a bid to provide even a partial barrier under pressure."

Judi continued: "Harry’s truncated barrier gesture is this touching of the jacket buttons, suggesting a small desire to self-protect behind the outward signals of confidence and enthusiasm." Adding that the Prince showed a desire to be among servicemen and women, Judi said: "His posture otherwise looks military, with his chest splayed and his arms held away from his torso, showing a longing to be back with the people he has genuine empathy with."

Later in the evening after his arrival, Prince Harry officially opened the games on stage in front of gathered dignitaries and competitors. He began his speech in German, welcoming everybody to the event, before he switched back to English and started talking about military uniform.

He said: "Remember that feeling of pride and honour when you first wore your nation's flag on your uniform? Most of us perhaps remember more its final outing? Or the time we hung it up for good?

"Am I right in saying for some, it represented a cape? Perhaps a shield or an escape? For others, an opportunity at recognition or a calling. No matter what it meant to you then, or your reasons for signing up, it was always about being of service to others and to your mates. Ultimately, you were part of a purpose bigger than yourself and that feeling felt good."

Rebecca Russell

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