Prince Harry repeatedly placed his hand on Meghan Markle's back during their first joint engagement in Nottingham on Thursday (October 15), a gesture a body language expert says sends a clear message about their marriage.
Body language expert's interpretation
Dr Beth Dawson, speaking exclusively to the outlet, said Harry's repeated touches could be interpreted in several ways. "He could be reassuring her. However it can also be public signalling, and I think that’s what we’re seeing here. The back touching is more about endorsement."
She added: "Harry is saying to the public: we are a unit, we are a team and he's subconsciously saying: I support this person and what she’s doing. It’s about solidarity more than reassurance."
Nerves and crowd interaction
While some might assume Meghan would be the more nervous of the pair, Beth believes Harry is showing clearer signs of nerves. "I don't think she's nervous, but I think he is! And his back touches are about him endorsing her and showing the public that they are a team," she said.
The couple accepted gifts from fans, posed for selfies, and stopped to chat with well-wishers. Meghan was pictured kissing 90-year-old Irene Hardman on the cheek twice after the woman showed her a photograph from their 2017 visit to the city as an engaged pair. Meghan reportedly said: "Oh my gosh how sweet is that. You look beautiful, I like your shoes."
Meghan's comfort and royal status
Observing Meghan's body language, Beth added: "She seems very comfortable engaging directly with people in the crowd. She positions herself towards them and stands close for selfies and she knows this creates a sense of warmth and accessibility."
Harry and Meghan moved back to the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet in August after living in America for six years. King Charles III has made clear the couple remain non-working members of the royal family, a status they accepted when they stepped away from royal duties in 2020.
