Prince Harry Appeared Anxious at the Jubilee, So What Will His and Meghan Markle's Upcoming U.K. Visit Look Like? A Body Language Expert Weighs In
Their returns to the U.K. are always fraught these days.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are scheduled to return to the U.K. next month for a couple of visits to charities.
This will mark their first return to the country since the Platinum Jubilee in June. For body language expert Darren Stanton, we may be able to anticipate how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will act publicly in September based on how they appeared on that occasion. He explains that while the duke appeared anxious at times, the duchess seemed more comfortable.
"Arriving back in the U.K. to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and to reunite with the Royal Family, Meghan proved she hasn’t been fazed by past criticism," Stanton tells Marie Claire on behalf of Slingo.
"She showed no signs of anxiety. For her it was very much business as usual, and her trademark confidence was consistently present.
"When in front of the public, like at the Thanksgiving service held over the Jubilee weekend, Meghan was pictured smiling and waving, making sure to interact with the gathered crowds."
For his part, Prince Harry appeared to be finding it all much more difficult.
"Harry’s body language, however, is drastically different to that of Meghan and we often see a shift in emotion in him when he is in the presence of the public and press," Stanton continues.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"He bows his head, a gesture of anxiousness, and his face reddens. At the time, it was his and Meghan’s first appearance in the U.K. since their decision to permanently move to California, and it’s clear Harry was concerned about the scrutiny the couple would face."
Note: Harry had in fact publicly returned to the U.K. since his royal exit, but never with his wife.
"His body position and gestures while in the spotlight suggested he felt under pressure and uncomfortable at times, despite the Royal Family appearing to embrace Harry and Meghan’s return."
Another note: Prince Harry was reportedly unhappy with the welcome he received during the Jubilee weekend, with tensions appearing at an all-time high.
Here's what Stanton thinks we can expect when the Sussexes go back to the U.K.: "It will be interesting to see whether Harry feels more at ease when he returns to the U.K. next month," he says.
"Meghan, however, plays a huge part in boosting his confidence and will no doubt be on hand to offer a supporting hand to Harry at times when his nerves may get the better of him."
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 British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. 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.
-
Queen Camilla Reportedly Broke Royal Protocol With a Fan During Tour of Australia
The moment occurred when King Charles' wife greeted fans outside a church.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Purchased Portugal Home to Stay "Connected" to the Royals
A royal expert called the move "extremely significant."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Make Their Love Erewhon-Official
The couple rolled out of bed in matching sweatpants to run errands in Los Angeles.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Purchased Portugal Home to Stay "Connected" to the Royals
A royal expert called the move "extremely significant."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Eugenie Is Reportedly in a "Precarious Position" Between Prince Harry and King Charles
"Eugenie is in a difficult spot."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The Rare Moments When Queen Elizabeth Allowed Herself to Be “A Normal Woman in the Countryside”
A Land Rover expert tells 'Marie Claire' of a time when the late monarch "just looked completely at home."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Elizabeth's Rare Childhood Tantrum is Truly Epic
Every once in a while, Elizabeth let loose.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Fans Can’t Get over Prince Harry’s Seriously Impressive Surfing Skills in New Video: “In His Season of Joy”
He's a true Californian now.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
'The Great British Bake Off' Star Prue Leith Once Messed Up Queen Elizabeth's Tea Order
"You'd think it was a state secret!"
By Kristin Contino Published
-
The Sentimental Item from Prince Philip That Queen Elizabeth Kept in Her Handbag
It's royally romantic.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Elizabeth Said She Hated One Thing About Meeting "Tourists"
The late monarch expressed a desire to go back to the good old days of royal visits.
By Kristin Contino Published