At the TIME100 Summit in New York City on Wednesday, Meghan Markle certainly made her presence felt, but it was her husband, Prince Harry, who found himself once again in the shadow of her star power.
According to a body language expert, Harry appeared to slip into the role of the “spare,” with Meghan leading the way as the focus of attention.
Meghan’s Confident Entrance in Ralph Lauren Suit
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, arrived at the prestigious event wearing a stunning $5,000 Ralph Lauren suit, drawing eyes from every direction.
As she took the stage to speak about her life, her mistakes, and her son Archie’s recent milestones, all eyes were on her.
In a series of photos capturing the moments before and after her time on stage, Harry, 40, can be seen walking beside Meghan, acting as her supportive husband.
But while his presence may seem typical, body language expert Judi James pointed out some subtle signs of discomfort.
“Whether Harry is leading or lurking, he appears to be in the role of ‘spare,’” James commented exclusively to DailyMail.com.
She explained that Harry’s body language during the event suggested that Meghan had clearly taken the starring role.
Harry’s Awkward Stance and Meghan’s ‘Celebrity Wilt’ Gesture
As Meghan stepped out of the car, James noted that Meghan displayed a certain “celebrity wilt” with her body language—a subtle but powerful gesture that conveyed a sense of star power.
Her arms were bent at a 45-degree angle, with her hands dangling loosely, a gesture known as the “broken wing.”
While this might appear to signal vulnerability or weakness, it’s actually a sign of status and power, suggesting that Meghan was so well-established that she didn’t need to exert effort.
Meanwhile, Harry’s body language seemed a bit off as he followed behind Meghan, her lead evident.
“Meghan works the cameras here and initiates the warm, friendly hugs.
Harry seems to wait his turn, which would have been unthinkable during his royal life,” James observed.
Harry’s jacket hung open, and his expression appeared more intense, less radiant compared to Meghan’s poised and confident demeanor.
A Mixed Departure: Meghan’s Star Status Still Unmatched by Harry
After Meghan’s appearance on stage, the couple was seen leaving through a side door, with security by their side.
As they exited, Harry once again appeared to be taking a supporting role.
James noted that Harry was walking behind Meghan, his body language awkward as he bent his knees and looked back over his shoulder, directing attention to her as if she was the one making the grand exit.
“The way he turned to look back created an air of awkwardness, almost as if he was directing the camera attention to Meghan, making her seem like the star of the moment,” James explained.
In the following moment, Harry’s body language remained awkward as his hands hung by his sides.
Meghan, ever the professional, reached out to clasp his hand, re-establishing their romantic connection.
Meghan Faces Backlash Despite Her Spotlight at the Event
While Meghan took center stage at the summit, her recent ventures have not been without controversy.
Her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, which premiered last month, received immediate criticism.
The show, which featured Meghan and her famous friends preparing elaborate recipes and creating home décor items, was met with negative reviews from critics and viewers alike.
On top of that, her lifestyle brand, As Ever, has faced its own set of problems.
Customers have voiced frustration after orders were canceled due to overselling, and there are reports that her female empowerment podcast, which has already faced setbacks after only three episodes, is struggling.
Meghan has even reportedly reached out to A-list stars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift to boost the show’s appeal, but it remains to be seen whether those efforts will pay off.
Despite the criticisms, Meghan remains a figure who continues to command attention wherever she goes, as evidenced by her high-profile appearance at the TIME100 Summit.