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.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won’t be invited to spend Christmas with the royal family this year
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
All of the must-see looks straight from the Governors Awards 2024 red carpet
From J-Law to Zoe Saldaña, you won't want to miss these
By Sofia Piza
-
Hugh Grant’s surprising comments about his Notting Hill character are going viral
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
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
-
Prince William has spoken about Harry publicly for the first time in years
The brothers have been estranged for a long time now
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Royal expert says Harry's 'attacks on his family' can be 'forgiven' by British public
Royal fans still love the Duke
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Everyone at the Palace 'misses Harry' according to a royal insider
There's still some hope he could be brought back into the fold
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate was 'right' about key detail in the Harry and William fallout
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Princess Kate has called Prince Harry after spotting 'worrying' signs
By Jadie Troy-Pryde