Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent pub outing in the Cotswolds has prompted a body language expert to suggest there is "friction" between the couple. The Sussexes were photographed holding hands as they headed to a pub, marking their first public appearance together since returning to the UK at the end of August.
The couple moved back to the UK after spending six years in Montecito, California, following their decision to step down as working royals. While Harry, 42, recently said it's "great to be back on British soil" and that his two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are happy here, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may not be on the same page, according to the analysis.
Body Language 'Completely Out of Sync'
Analysing Harry and Meghan's first public sighting, body language expert Inbaal Honigman found their behaviour to be "completely out of sync", with their contrasting gestures and expressions potentially pointing to disharmony and friction between them.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex display very different body language cues. They appear out of sync with each other during their first public U.S. outing, which could point to a potential clash," Inbaal told the Daily Express on behalf of Casino.ca.
"As the two walk side by side to the pub, their body language fails to match at any point," she said.
Contrasting Gestures and Mindsets
Inbaal continued: "When Harry looks ahead, Meghan is seen pointing and looking sideways, suggesting they may have different focuses or goals.
"When she holds a hand protectively in front of her upper body, he walks confidently, taking long strides with his arms swaying casually by his sides, highlighting their contrasting mindsets."
She added that Harry then touched his ear in a "sudden display of discomfort", however, Meghan, 45, maintained a "neutral, calm facial expression".
Walking Behind 'Unsupportive'
"It's almost as though the two are on completely different outings to different pubs," Inbaal added. "Their mismatched body language communicates a period of disharmony within their household."
She went on to say that Harry's decision to walk behind Meghan is "unsupportive" and fuels speculation that there is friction between the pair.
Inbaal remarked: "Most interestingly, as they cross the hedge and embark on the path into the pub, Harry walks several paces behind his wife.
"This is an unsupportive way for a husband to walk alongside his partner. He could be more supportive by staying at her side, where she can see him and depend on him, or by walking just an inch or two behind her, showing that he's 'got her back.'
"Harry's choice to maintain such a long gap between them is curious and could be another sign of potential friction between the couple."
