Prince Harry's Coronation Attendance Marked the "Return of the Joker Prince," Body Language Expert Says
He showcased his sense of humor, and it landed.


Though Prince Harry has not had an easy life—as he made clear in his memoir Spare—he was often known as a young man for being the so-called life of the party, i.e. for being a bit of a jokester and knowing how to have a fun time.
Unfortunately, following his and his wife Meghan's very public rift with the Royal Family in recent years, the Duke of Sussex has appeared more subdued, and sometimes even (completely understandably) sad and anxious during official appearances.
But at his father King Charles' Coronation ceremony, despite the noise around Harry's potential attendance in the lead-up to the big day, the 38-year-old royal seemed in a great mood, and was seen smiling and joking around with his cousins and other relatives such as Princess Anne.
"Harry arrived with the Sussex posse, the royal cousins Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands, who have remained friends throughout the royal rifts," body language expert Judi James explained to the Mirror.
"Chatting first to Edo, he then got the attention of Eugenie and Jack and we saw an incredible return of the joker prince as Harry grinned and used two hands cupped widely under his stomach to do what looked like a mime of Eugenie's heavily pregnant state.
"After making the couple laugh, Harry fell back to walk in alone.
"Still smiling and with his cheeks rounded, he then proceeded to perform a display of what looked like rather cocky bravado."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Explaining what she meant by this, James continued, "His striding walk looked jaunty as he pushed one side of his jacket away before making his way up the aisle nodding, grinning, using eye-brow flash rituals and chatting with people in the congregation as though signaling to the world that he was upbeat, confident and happy to be back."
Putting myself in Harry's shoes, I think putting on this cheerful display will have been the smartest move for him. I mean, you can't fault someone for being happy and friendly. Just saying!

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.
-
'Tastefully Yours' Is a Foodie Rom-Com and Its Main Ingredient Is an A-List Cast of K-Drama Stars
Here's what to know about actors from 'Squid Game,' 'Sweet Home,' and 'Weak Hero Class 2' who lead the ensemble.
-
My New Favorite Sunscreen Oil Is 20 Percent Off—And Limited-Edition
Grab this Supergoop! steal while you can.
-
H&M’s New Collection Is Peak Italian Summer
No long-distance flight required.
-
Royal Fans Think King Charles's New Portrait Features a Surprising Piece of Women's Underwear
Commenters claim the alleged item "speaks volumes."
-
How Prince William Silenced "Work-Shy" Criticisms and Fixed His "Reputation" as the Future King
"The job that William does not want, at least for now, is his father's."
-
The Surprising Revelation Princess Diana Made Just Before Her Death About Who "Ruined" Her Marriage to King Charles
"She said to me just before she died, it wasn't Camilla."
-
London Residents "Shocked" After Prince Harry Rang "Wrong" Doorbell Searching for Friend's House
"I don't think many people would just walk down a road knocking on doors."
-
Why Princess Diana Regretted Mentioning One Former Lover in Her BBC 'Panorama' Interview, According to Royal Expert
"She had said, if you remember, that she was in love with him."
-
Royal Expert Says Princess Diana Would Be "Proud" of Prince Harry's Candid BBC Interview
"She liked to say exactly what she thought and then deal with the consequences afterwards."
-
A Surprising Royal Is Attending Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration Later This Month
Buckingham Palace shared the unexpected news in a statement.
-
Meghan Markle Does Date Night in a Denim Carolina Herrera Dress at Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' Tour
The Sussexes were photographed enjoying Beyoncé's performance while dancing in the VIP box.