Harry and Meghan: United front amid breakup rumours
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle haven't been seen together for quite some time. The foreign media is abuzz with rumours about the alleged breakup of their six-year marriage. Now, the couple has broken their silence by releasing a joint video. How did a non-verbal communication expert interpret their gestures?
9 November 2024 16:16
Recently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have rarely appeared together, which has sparked a flurry of speculation regarding their relationship. Apparently, the couple decided to counter these rumours by releasing a joint video for an important cause. In the video, the Sussexes addressed the issue of children's safety while using the internet.
We are at a crossroads where the urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident, said the prince.
My husband and I recognise that today’s reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which, of course, has many positives. However, it also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age, Markle added.
Are Harry and Meghan growing apart? The prince travels alone again, and tabloids write about a crisis
Some noticed that the couple only became active after Donald Trump's victory in the presidential elections. Let’s recall that the newly elected president does not like the prince's activities and allegedly wants to expel him from the USA.
Daily Mail contacted Judi James, a body language expert, to assess the Sussexes' behaviour during the appearance. What conclusions did she reach?
The couple's appearance and body language make it look as though they have turned back the clock to the times when they appeared as a royal couple at the Remembrance service in the UK, she stated. She also added that watching the video felt like when "Harry was very much the alpha prince and Meghan was taking her lead from him as she learned the ropes."
The non-verbal communication specialist concluded that Meghan appears less assertive here and seems to be mirroring her husband's behaviour, taking cues from him. Although she starts with her hands clasped in front of her, towards the end of the video, Meghan changes her position to copy Harry's pose with hands clasped behind his back. Judi notes that it's Meghan who was "throwing the frequent glances at her husband as he speaks, smiling warmly and fondly in a gesture of encouragement and support."
This constant gesture makes her appear like the more openly loving one in the relationship while Harry seems intent on staying in role and projecting formality. Her entire delivery is confident but softer and more loving as she speaks to camera.
James claims that there is one point where it seems that Meghan wants to redefine their "unity" as a couple and as a business. Amid the flood of rumours about a supposed crisis, this film emphasises that their marriage is not threatened. At one point, a smiling Harry gently embraces his wife. Discussing this gesture, James said:
At the sound of the word 'together' Harry appears to take his cue quickly, extending one arm so his hand is behind his wife's back. This is a subtle PDA from a couple who have previously flirted, touched and even kissed each other on screen. But their cause here is a serious and important one so this slightly self-conscious-looking, more formal PDA seems to be more appropriate.
James also commented that although it's the words that define their campaign against violence towards children, "Harry and Meghan's visual image looks very much like a royal homage to Remembrance day."
Their side-by-side poses straight to the camera look regally formal and official. They wear matching, tailored navy jackets that make a feature of the poppies in their lapels. Harry is emphatically in royal military mode, standing unsmiling, with his hands behind his back and rising up onto the balls of his feet and dropping down again as though briefing the troops, she summarised.
And what conclusions do you draw after watching the latest video from Meghan and Harry?