Why Harry looked 'nervous' at the Invictus Games - but Meghan looked 'confident'
"I think he was holding back slightly."
Prince Harry has been in Düsseldorf, Germany since the start of his beloved Invictus Games last Saturday, but his wife Meghan Markle only joined him a few days later.
After she arrived, the Duchess of Sussex took to the stage to make a speech, in which she explained that she had wanted to stay back in California for a bit longer to be with the couple's two children.
"Meghan appeared very confident as she gave a speech alongside Prince Harry," observed body language expert Darren Stanton (via OK!).
"She gave very positive, confident body language. She displayed a lot of open palm gestures, which is a sign of honesty and trust. She’s clearly very used to being on stage. Just with her eye contact and voice tone, she projects very well and she’s very used to giving public talks. It was very much the Meghan show."
But Darren observed that Harry's body language wasn't quite as open-hearted as Meghan's, perhaps because the Invictus Games are so much his "thing."
"I think he was holding back slightly. The Invictus Games clearly means a lot to him and it’s his baby," Darren said.
"At one point, Harry was seen playing with his ring finger, which is a self-reassurance gesture. This type of gesture is generally used when someone is feeling nervous."
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
It's worth noting that Harry often looks quite nervous when he's in public, which seems to demonstrate that he's just a bit shy and not a huge fan of the spotlight, which is very understandable. Meghan, however, had a former career as an actress and is therefore a bit more of a natural with that kind of attention.
Meanwhile, Darren also observed a change of dynamic between the royal couple — a type of evolution you might expect from two people in a long-term partnership.
"I did notice that there has been a decrease in power gestures from Meghan towards Harry," he said.
"For example, she would previously put her hand on his back and guide him by his elbow. However, in recent months, there has been a dramatic decrease in the demonstration of these types of gestures, where she is trying to assert her power. This shows that their relationship has evolved."
Additionally, the Sussexes were seen displaying all sorts of affectionate gestures while at the Invictus Games, demonstrating just how close they are after five years of marriage.
-
Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal are "the real deal" according to insiders - here's what we know about the couple
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Do you struggle to find wide-calf boots that fit? I've done the research and found 12 stylish pairs you'll love
From classic black knee-highs to cowboy boots
By Hayley Hasselhoff
-
Dry lips? These are the 6 best satin lipsticks for hydration, colour and natural shine—and zero flaking
Elevating the everyday
By Mica Ricketts
-
Harry and Meghan's 'professional separation' continues this week
The Duke is due in NYC
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Why Archie is behind Harry and Meghan's refusal to 'leave the US'
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Meghan addresses recent solo appearance following 'professional separation' from Harry
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Why Harry and Meghan are moving towards a 'professional separation'
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry has 'moved on' from royal rift, expert claims
Things are looking up
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry could 'return to the UK' for Christmas without Meghan Markle
He's been visiting England solo over the last couple of years
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The surprising royal family members who remain close with both William and Harry
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
'Now is not the time' for King Charles to reconcile with Harry, author says
But that doesn't mean it will never happen.
By Iris Goldsztajn