Whenever Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear in public, it’s always a major event. Indeed, since they retired from royal life, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have preferred to work behind the scenes on a number of projects—including a blockbusting podcast, a Netflix documentary (or two), charity work, and trying out that C-suite life.
But ICYMI, the Sussexes are currently in the middle of a highly anticipated mini European tour, which unofficially started with their reportedly mutual avoidance of the Cambridges in Windsor, but officially started with the duchess’ keynote address as part of the One Young World Summit in Manchester.
Markle has been a counselor for the young leaders in the organization for a long time, and this was her time to shine, with her husband taking on the role of devoted supporter—at least according to body language expert Darren Stanton. And while detractors will be all too quick to criticize that particular dynamic, I’d really like to know what’s wrong with one spouse encouraging the other in their personal projects.
“Ahead of her speech, Meghan was completely stoic and very focused,” Stanton tells Marie Claire on behalf of Betfair Casino.
“From the moment she and Harry entered the auditorium it was clear this was very much Meghan’s event. She was a stride ahead of Harry as they walked into the room, signifying her confidence and her dominance in that moment, as Harry remained slightly behind, adopting a supportive role instead.”
For Stanton, the duchess didn’t display a demeanor as open as usual, which might point to her nervousness ahead of her big speech.
“Meghan is a very good speaker and clearly very experienced in standing front and center,” he explains.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
“There’s no denying her speech was impressive—although, it seemed like her smiles were rehearsed and appeared less than genuine at times.
“This could be Meghan’s attempt to mask her internal emotions, potentially nerves she felt in the moment, as people have a tendency to do so when in the spotlight.” I mean, it checks out.
By all accounts, the Archetypes host gave a very inspiring speech to the assembled crowd. “I see the world through my children and try to imagine how the world will be when they will be adults,” she said (via Harper’s Bazaar).
“You are the ones driving the positive and necessary change across the globe now, in this very moment. And for that I am so grateful to be in your company today.”
To underline the power of her words, the duchess stole a trick from the Kate Middleton Book of Dressing for the Occasion (could Pippa write this? I would like to read it).
“Similarly to Kate Middleton, Meghan has her own go-to colors which she wears depending on the occasion she is attending,” Stanton continues.
“For her speech, knowing she would be center-stage, Meghan chose the shade of red, an extremely powerful color, one that denotes being supremely confident and is often associated with superheroes—wearing such a color shows the mindset Meghan wanted to adopt for that particular event.”
The duchess opted for a gorgeous firetruck red pantsuit by sustainable brand Another Tomorrow, made up of a bow blouse with a soft silhouette, and tailored pants for a more businesslike look.
As for the duke, he wasn’t entirely in his element, per Stanton, but he tried his best to be a supportive partner.
“Harry, meanwhile, was happy to take a backseat at the event, always hanging back and allowing Meghan the time to soak up the adulation shown towards her,” Stanton says.
“It’s worth noting that Harry didn’t appear completely at ease. He was showing signs of frustration and appeared anxious throughout his appearance and looked almost like a fish out of water at times.
“We saw Harry fidgeting with his hands as he was sitting watching Meghan on stage, he was playing with his suit jacket—both self-reassurance gestures a person makes.
“Whenever Meghan gestured towards Harry, we saw Harry flash a fake smile, suggesting his internal emotions were not cohesive with how he was trying to portray himself.”
Yes, I, too, would feel uncomfortable if I knew my every move was being scrutinized for signs of weakness.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Bustle and Shape. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Jess Hong Enters Her Chaotic Era
She was doing kids’ theater in New Zealand when she landed the leading role on Netflix’s epic ‘3 Body Problem.’ And now that the show is No. 1 on the streamer, her whole world is about to change.
By Jessica M. Goldstein Published
-
39 J.Crew, Reformation, and COS Items That Are Ideal for Spring Travel
Spring ready.
By Allyson Payer Published
-
Taylor Swift Breaks Yet Another Music-Industry Record
This is pretty much the norm now, no?
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Reportedly Being “Left Out of Any Details Regarding Kate”
The Prince and Princess of Wales have a tighter-than-ever circle around them as Kate recovers from abdominal surgery.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
Prince Harry Is Reportedly “Worried” About Sister-in-Law Kate Middleton After Seeing Mother Princess Diana and Wife Meghan Markle Endure Similar Public Vitriol
Harry and Kate were once famously close.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Bios on the Official Royal Family Website Look Really Different Today
It’s apparently a result of a “long overdue update.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
If You Want to Buy Jellies and Jams, Napkin Rings, and Recipe Books from Meghan Markle, You're In Luck
Here’s what we know about Meghan’s new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard—including the poignant reason why she likely chose to hard launch it yesterday.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Despite Being 5,000 Miles Apart, Prince William and Prince Harry Still Couldn’t Bear to Attend an Event at the Same Time—Even One That Honored Their Mother Princess Diana
Their separate appearances at the Diana Awards were carefully timed so that William, onsite in London, had zero opportunity to interact with Harry, calling in from California.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Would Have Been "Annihilated" Over William and Kate Photo "Mistake," Source Says
She's a perfectionist.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
‘Deal or No Deal’ Host Howie Mandel Admits, for the Life of Him, He Can’t Remember Meghan Markle or This Fellow A-Lister Being on the Show
For her part, Meghan will tell you it wasn't her favorite gig.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have a "Golden Opportunity" to Reconcile With the Royals Amid Wales Drama, Publicist Says
They're sadly used to dealing with negative press.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published