Royal family
Two experts are breaking down the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ appearance that has everyone talking.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped out in New York City this week where the former Suits star gave a speech at the TIME100 Summit.
The Sussexes arrived with a four-car motorcade and were photographed at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. And all anyone can talk about is a moment caught on camera where Prince Harry put his hand out for his wife, but she appeared to ignore him.
However, two experts have very different opinions of what they witnessed between the duke and duchess.
Expert points out that Meghan ignored Prince Harry when he reached out for her
After the footage made the rounds and more than a hundred commenters began pointing out how Meghan looked like she completely ignored Harry’s gesture, a body language and behavioral expert gave their take on what they saw.
Judi James spoke to Express after analyzing the footage and explained: “Harry appears to be in ‘spare’ mode here, scurrying round like his wife’s security as she sweeps into the venue like the total star. The way Harry rushes round the side of the car to join his wife as she is climbing out suggests he sees their arrival as something of a double act. His expression looks focused and serious as he pulls at the sides of his jacket in a gesture of anxiety.
“Meghan ignores her husband though, despite the fact that his hand is raised to touch her. The ignore seems to leave Harry in a small body language quandary. His eyes drop, and he decides to fiddle with the back of his pants to avoid being left hanging.”
The body language guru added: “There is no moving to introduce Harry to the host … Meghan just turns and strides ahead into the venue, leaving Harry waving one hand out in the air as he follows behind her.”
Another body language expert sees things between the couple a little differently
Darren Stanton is a body language and behavioral expert with a degree in psychology. He previously worked as a police officer and used his expertise to uncover the truth when interviewing hundreds of suspects. He later moved into media and TV as a consultant and has been dubbed the “Human Lie Detector.” He also analyzed the Sussexes’ arrival in the Big Apple and doesn’t believe Harry saw this trip as a “double act” at all and insisted the prince was happy to “step aside” for Meghan to be the “star.”
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, Stanton said: “The dynamic between Harry and Meghan at the moment is that Harry wants Meghan to have her moment in the limelight. So much emphasis has been placed on him in the last few months with the Invictus Games, and now it’s her turn. His actions suggest he is very conscious that this is her time to take center stage right now.
“An example of this would be Harry taking a conscious step back and allowing Meghan to take the lead more than him. He held back from being as present as he normally is. He won’t interrupt her during appearances or contribute. He will be comfortable in stepping aside.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
