Body language expert analyses Meghan Markle and reveals her "signature gesture"
A body language expert has revealed how Meghan has transformed into a “poised” royal, observing her behaviour as she joined Prince Harry at the Commonwealth Youth Forum in London.
Expert and author of The Body Language Bible, Judi James, explained how the former Suits actress appears to have had some royal training, with her movements being “more precise” than ever.
Examples of these precise movements include Meghan holding out her hand in a “lady-like” manner, as well as showing “preening signs” as she touched her hair.
During Meghan’s first royal official engagement in December, Judi said Meghan chose to stay close to her fiancé, but now she is able to maintain some distance and shine by herself.
“Meghan seems more royal with these poses,” Judi told FEMAIL.
“When she first appeared with Harry on that walkabout in Nottingham she had a slightly touristy look about herself; she was learning on the job.
“She saw herself as Harry’s girlfriend and was a lot more low-key. She seemed to recognise that Harry was the star. She was trailing slightly in his wake.
“Today she's a lot less spontaneous than she was. This looks a lot more careful, she's very upright. There are signs that she might have had some royal training.”
Judi said Meghan’s recent body language and outfit shows that she is establishing herself as an individual within the royal family.
“She’s wanting to show herself off a bit more. Her clothing has become less easy to wear, a bit more starry and regal,” she said.
“She’s slightly more separated from Harry. She’s got her coat around the shoulders worn as a cape, so there's not much opportunity for hand holding.”
Judi said that Meghan still touches her hair, dubbing it as her “signature gesture”.
“It’s a signature gesture of hers, touching her hair a lot,” she said. “But now it’s turned into more of a grooming and preening gesture.
“It also displays her engagement ring, which she's clearly very proud of.”
Meghan also took more of an active role in conversations rather than just listening.
“She’s picked up Harry’s trait, she’s using more exaggerated hand gestures,” the body language expert explained. “She’s someone who’s performing and entertaining a lot more.”
Delegates tell Prince Harry, who opened the forum earlier this week, and Ms. Markle what they have learnt from each other over the course of the last few days. #CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/1tre7CfAnM
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 18, 2018
However, Judi noticed one trait of Meghan’s that isn’t usually seen in royal family members – “mirroring the expressions” of those she is talking to.
“She's got a more empathetic trait. She’s mirroring the expressions of the people she’s speaking to.
“It’s a Diana trait – it’s something that she brought to the royal family. Harry is probably the one that's carried it on the most.”