Prince Harry ‘wants to be seen as an expert’ while the ‘proud maternal’ Meghan Markle watches on in the ‘political broadcast’ style QCT video, a body language expert has claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared unseen photos and video highlights on their Instagram page yesterday after a meeting with young leaders held at Buckingham Palace last week.
Body language expert Judi James told FEMAIL the couple used the video, which was shared after their final public appearance as senior members of the royal family, to ‘pitch’ themselves into their new roles on the world stage.
She revealed Prince Harry, 35, displayed signs that he wants ‘to appear as an expert’, using enthusiastic hand gestures and a ‘leg splay’ that suggested growing confidence.
And while Prince Harry took on a ‘leadership role’, the expert also suggested Meghan, 38, appeared a ‘maternal’ figure as she ‘proudly’ watched her husband.
Prince Harry, 35, wants to be ‘seen as an expert’ while Meghan Markle, 38, took on a ‘proud maternal role’ in ‘political party style’ video released by Queen’s Commonwealth Trust yesterday, a body language expert has claimed
She told FEMAIL Prince Harry appeared to have already adopted a new role, displaying signs he wanted to appear ‘guru-like’.
Judi revealed how the couple used the video to ‘pitch’ themselves into their new roles and already appeared different as they moved into the latest chapter of their lives.
She observed how the video almost appeared ‘in the style of a political party’s broadcast’, revealing: ‘This version of Harry is a million miles away from the sad, reflective and anxious man we saw at the Commonwealth service.
‘In some ways it looks almost as though he is using what has been filmed, very much in the style of a party political broadcast, to pitch himself in his new role on the world stage.’
Judi revealed how the Duchess of Sussex took on a more ‘regal’ role in the video, letting the Duke take on ‘the leadership role’
She went on to explain that while his outfit, a white open shirt and simple black suit, indicated a more ‘relaxed’ approach, the royal used gestures to appear ‘guru’ like.
She revealed: ‘His tie is off to suggest a more casual approach, although he is still sporting the status signals of s sharp suit.
‘He is seen either articulating some almost guru-style thoughts, using emphatic and illustrative hand gestures that are held almost at chest or face level, suggesting a desire to be seen as inspirational and an expert in this field.’
She added: ‘His legs are splayed and the splay becomes more pronounced suggesting growing levels of confidence and leadership.
The body language expert pointed to Prince Harry’s enthusiastic hand gestures at chest level and a ‘growing leg splay’ which suggested ‘growing levels of confidence and leadership’
‘When he’s not speaking he’s using some active listening signals to look absorbed in the comments he’s hearing, like beard-touching and a forward lean.’
Judi said that the black-and-white still from the meeting, shared by the @SussexRoyal Instagram, revealed the fun and playful Harry.
She revealed: ‘Then we see the monochrome still from the meeting and he’s happy, fun Harry again, rolling back in his seat laughing with his feet in the air.’
And while Harry appeared as a leader in the video, Judi went on to explain that Meghan took on a more ‘demure’ role.
Prince Harry took on a ‘leadership role’ in the video, according to Judi, and used signals which suggested a ‘a desire to be seen as inspirational and an expert in this field’
She said: ‘While Harry takes the leadership role, Meghan’s body language almost suggests a role-swap here.’
‘With Harry doing casual, she arrives in the room to meet the students looking very regal and there’s very little about her elegant, upright, legs-crossed and rather demure pose that suggests a relaxed and spontaneous approach.
‘Compared to Harry’s emphatic points and energetic engagement, Meghan’s pose barely changes apart from throwing admiring glances at Harry or even sitting back in a proud, maternal role.’
And while the couple are known for their constant touching and public displays of affection, Judi said they appeared deliberately restrained in the video.
While Judi said Prince Harry appeared to take the lead in the video, she revealed how Meghan looked ‘very regal’ in the clip, and ‘demure’
She said: ‘There’s none of the constant touch between the two, although both use a wedding ring-touching self-comfort gesture to suggest this hands-off approach might have been deliberate and that they are both suffering slightly because of it.’
The video showed the couple discussing topics including mental health, equal opportunities for all, and the importance of supporting youth leadership to help address global challenges and drive positive change around the world.
The couple directed fans to the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT) Instagram page which shared video highlights of the conversation which took place.
Judi also pointed to the couple’s decidedly ‘hands-off’ approach in the clip, and said it appeared to be ‘a deliberate move’
It marked the couple’s first post since their final public appearance as they prepare to step back from royal duty at the end of the month.
The Duchess of Sussex wore a £925 Preen by Thornton Bregazzi asymmetrical toffee midi dress, while Harry opted for a black suit with a white shirt, opting to make it more casual with the absence of a tie.
On Monday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended their last official engagement after stepping down as senior royals, at the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey.
The photographs and video from the meeting were shared yesterday on the SussexRoyal Instagram page, as the couple prepare to move into the next chapter of their royal lives
The couple joined the Queen, 93, and other senior royals in their last official duty before holding a series of meetings in Britain and heading back to Canada.
After quitting as members of The Firm, Harry will leave his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, but remains president of the QCT, while Meghan maintains her position as its vice-president.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust uses its network, platform and resources, built and shaped together with young people from across the Commonwealth, to support young leaders in realising their dreams and hopes for the future.