Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were among the celebrities attending the NBA Finals on June 13, where the Duke of Sussex was captured in a courtside encounter with filmmaker Spike Lee that has drawn online criticism.
Awkward Exchange at the Game
The Duke of Sussex, 41, attended the match at the Frost Bank Center with Meghan Markle, seated in the eighth row as the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs to win their first NBA championship in 53 years. Courtside seats were occupied by A-listers including Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller.
Video footage shows Harry approaching Lee, 69, offering a handshake that was not immediately returned. The prince momentarily placed a hand on Lee's torso before they eventually clasped hands, and Harry moved on. The moment quickly divided observers online.
Body Language Analysis
Judi James, a body language expert, told the Daily Express US: "This gruesome-looking 'greeting' ritual appears to involve some non-verbal 'banter' that kicks off a grin from Harry, who was treated to not just a seat at the rear of the stalls, but an apparent partial handshake-cut from someone one row further back."
She added: "Harry looks quite invested in his greeting here, reaching out his hand and arm while pushing his other elbow out for balance. Spike appears to keep his hands clasped behind his back though, which sparks off some awkward looking gesticulation between them. Pointing like this does mime a form of attack and the way Harry places a hand on the other man's chest looks almost like a push or restraining gesture. They do appear to clasp hands after all this 'playful' behaviour but Harry must be unused to having his proffered hand left hanging."
Lip Reader's Interpretation
However, lip reader Nicola Hickling, also speaking to the Daily Express US, said the conversation was cordial. According to her, Harry opened with "Hey," prompting Lee to ask, "Hey, you team Spurs or Knicks, man?" Harry replied, "Team Knicks here," and Lee gestured in apparent agreement.
The occasion coincided with King Charles III's official birthday Trooping the Colour parade in London, which Harry and Markle chose not to attend. The couple has been absent from the event since June 2022.
