Meghan Markle's overlooked gesture that sets her apart from royals explained by body language expert
Meghan Markle has made her first official public appearance since returning to the UK with her family and it’s already got everyone talking.
Although it’s not an official royal visit, the Duchess of Sussex visited Nottingham for a charitable public engagement alongside her husband, causing a lot of fanfare. She has shared glimpses of her life back in the UK and on Thursday morning, onlookers in Nottingham had a chance to see Meghan in person.
Meghan and Harry greeted members of the public, snapped selfies and accepted stunning bouquets of flowers before the first stop during their day in Nottingham, which was a visit to the Community Recording Studio. Later today, the Sussexes are expected to visit a food bank.
The public greeted Meghan warmly and according to body language expert Jo Hayes, one gesture observed in Meghan sets her apart from other royals.
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After observing footage of the Sussexes greeting the public in Nottingham, Hayes tells Tyla that ‘even the Sussex’s greatest critics would be forced to admit that the Nottingham public absolutely loved having Harry and Meghan in town’.
She explains: “Their public interactions were absolute A-Grade - warm, smiling, friendly, spending an abundance of time meeting the public, shaking hands, taking photos, chatting, kisses [and] hugs.”
Regarding how Meghan interacted with the crowd, Hayes says her body language is different to what we normally see among the British royal family.
“Meghan is known for her super-warm body language - something that is less common among British royalty. Obviously she and Harry are always seen touching/holding hands, as opposed to William and Catherine who have a ‘rule’ of not holding hands/minimal demonstration of physical affection during official public engagements.
“Meghan can be seen shaking hands, kissing [and] hugging members of the public, grabbing hold of people’s arms in an affectionate display. Physical contact such as this is super powerful in forming positive human bonds and connection with people. It’s clearly gone down well with this crowd.”
Ahead of her return, some royal commentators and experts had questioned how Meghan would be received in the UK, with concerns over her popularity among the British public.
Harry already resumed public appearances in Britain, including attending the WellChild Awards in September, continuing his longstanding relationship with the charity.
What’s more, Hayes highlights how the couple’s interactions with the crowds could help shape public perception and strengthen their relationship with the British public.
She noted that Harry appeared particularly keen to engage with people of all ages, while both he and Meghan seemed relaxed, warm and happy to take their time meeting well-wishers. Their willingness to linger with the crowds, even if it meant arriving late for their official engagement, also stands out.
As Hayes explained: “Harry can be seen actively engaging with all ages in the crowd: adults, children, bending down to ask children question, engaging in conversation, leaning in for selfies.
“All fantastic for forming/re-forming/re-affirming a positive relationship with the British public and their overall public perception.”
She concluded: "Overall, a stellar public meet and greet."
In August this year, Harry and Meghan made plans for their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, to attend school in Britain this autumn.
While the duration of their stay has not been revealed, it is expected that the family will make the UK their main home for an extended period while maintaining their property in California and a holiday home in Portugal.
Their new home in the UK is not a royal property and is located in the Cotswolds.
Since leaving the UK and stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, one area of contention has been security. After Harry and Meghan stepped back, the pair lost their taxpayer-funded police protection, prompting Harry to contest the decision with a years-long legal battle.
Topics: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Royal Family, UK News
Greg Harris