Prince Harry has shown his “old, playful side” during a meeting with US veterans, with body language expert Judi James claiming the Duke appeared more animated, confident and relaxed amid reports he could return to the UK for an extended stay with Meghan and their children.
Prince Harry, 41, joined veterans, defence officials, military spouses and charity leaders for an 80-minute roundtable in Washington DC on Wednesday, where he discussed how former service members can better use their military experience after leaving the armed forces.
Veterans Roundtable and Advocacy
The Duke of Sussex, who spent 10 years in the British Army and served two tours in Afghanistan, told those gathered that communities needed to do more to recognise the skills and experience veterans bring to civilian life.
“The world needs more heroes,” Prince Harry said. “And it’s not about creating more heroes because they already live among us. It’s about being able to really value their expertise, their experiences.”
The meeting was organised by The Independence Fund, a charity supporting critically wounded service members. Prince Harry also hinted at plans for a new commercial venture designed to help veterans make greater use of their skills after military service.
Prince Harry said he was working on a “commercial” solution that would “really value those who served rather than expect them to volunteer”.
Body Language Analysis
The event also offered a glimpse of Prince Harry's lighter side, with the Duke joking with veterans about their hair and university backgrounds during the discussion.
Body language expert Judi James said Prince Harry appeared particularly energised during the event, pointing to his facial expressions as evidence of a more relaxed and confident mood.
“The eyes are the most telling feature of the human body, with a thousand subtle ways to express emotion, and it's impossible to miss the gleam of focused energy, excitement and motivation from Harry's piercing eye expressions here as he speaks and mingles at a veterans' round table,” she said.
Judi James suggested that Prince Harry's demeanour had been noticeably different from that in some previous public appearances since his relationship with his family became strained.
“Since the rift with his family, we've seen moments when Harry's eye expressions have appeared haunted and anxious,” she said. “Here though there is a projected energy, with the crescent-shaped creases at the sides of his eyes as he smiles a result of the raising and rounding of the cheeks that signal authentic excitement and happiness.”
Possible UK Return
According to Judi James, Prince Harry's surroundings could explain some of the change in his demeanour.
“Part of this will be because he's in his element here, exchanging banter with the kind of people he feels comfortable and at ease with while throwing himself into their campaign,” she said.
She also suggested that reports of a possible return to Britain could be contributing to Prince Harry's confidence.
“But his confidence signals might also relate to the news of a return to the UK,” Judi James said. “What we're seeing here is the 'old' Harry in many ways, animated and exuding the kind of focused energy and playful regal power signals he was always known for when he was a working Prince.”
Prince Harry's appearance came as reports emerged that he and Meghan could spend a longer period in the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Prince Harry did not address the reports during his Washington engagements and declined to comment when asked about the reported move.
The Duke has previously returned to Britain for a number of events and family occasions, but his relationship with the Royal Family has remained strained since he and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals and moved to the US.
Prince Harry's focus at Wednesday's event, however, remained firmly on veterans and the challenges they face. His own military experience has played a major role in his advocacy. Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014, creating an international sporting competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
