Meghan Markle attempted to “reboot her authority” during her guest judge appearance on MasterChef Australia, according to body language expert Judi James. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, appeared on the cooking show on Sunday, July 26, where contestants were challenged to make a dish “fit for a duchess”.
Body language analysis
James analysed Meghan’s behaviour on the episode, noting that it should be viewed in the context of a TV show where personalities are often exaggerated. “When you're making a TV show like this, there is often one 'big' character and it is often tricky to decide how to form a 'fit' with their persona,” she said.
Comparing Meghan’s polished public image with judge Poh Ling Yeow’s energetic personality, James suggested Meghan may have struggled to match Poh’s high-energy style, instead choosing to maintain a more “royal” form of body language. “Poh is clearly the high-energy one of the MasterChef team and she seems totally and brilliantly aware of her brand, even thoughtfully and politely warning Meghan in between takes in calmer and more thoughtful tones that 'I'm going to be so feral...I'm going to be like a foghorn, so be ready for it,'” James explained.
Subtle gestures
The expert highlighted specific moments where Meghan did not match Poh’s enthusiasm. “We can see Meghan talking to the woman on her right side, apparently with some authority as her hand is raised to make her point. Poh interrupts her as she is talking, using a tactile interruption method by holding her shoulder and bending to lean close,” James said.
James added that Meghan could have used a body language “matching” technique by turning and laughing or raising her vocal tone, but instead she retained the parted lips of her smile while drooping the lips slightly. “Poh's next gesture is to raise her hand in between their faces with the palm turned out towards Meghan and here we can see Meghan's rounded cheeks still raised although her jaw seems to perform a micro-jut,” James noted.
Rebooting authority
When Poh asked Meghan if she wanted to go into the pantry, Meghan amiably agreed. “When she is inside the pantry though there is a gesture that suggests a desire to re-boot her authority as she places her hands on the sides of her waist and splays the elbows,” James concluded.
Online speculation also suggested Meghan “was not a fan” of Poh, with some social media users commenting on the apparent tension.
