Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no strangers to VIP treatment at events, so their recent experience at the Bob Marley: One Love movie premiere in Jamaica caught many by surprise.
Despite their status, the couple found themselves seated three rows back from the front — a noticeable change from the front-row spots they usually enjoy.
Their reaction, caught in photos and analysed by experts, tells a story of adjustment and mixed emotions.
Meghan Takes the Lead While Harry Shows Signs of Unease
At the glamorous Carib Theatre event, Meghan appeared confident and poised, owning the red carpet in an elegant ballgown.
Body language expert Judi James noted how Meghan directed the couple’s movements, even gently pulling Harry’s hand out of his pocket to hold it as they entered together.
She describes Meghan’s demeanor as “regal and gracious,” embracing a Hollywood star quality in her presence.
Meanwhile, Harry seemed less comfortable. His body language showed anxiety and hesitation, especially as they were guided to their seats.
Rather than stepping forward with ease, he hesitated, performing subtle gestures of discomfort — rubbing his mouth and chin, common signs of uncertainty and indecision. It was clear this wasn’t the usual royal experience for him.
A Controversial Appearance with Jamaica’s Prime Minister
The couple’s presence stirred some debate, especially as they posed alongside Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet.
Lip reading experts picked up snippets of their conversation about the film — Meghan praising it as “amazing” and “perfect,” while Harry complimented the “good job” done on the movie.
The Sussexes also mingled with key film industry figures, including executives from Paramount Pictures, maintaining a gracious public front despite the complex backdrop of their status and public perception.
A Shift from Royalty to Celebrity?
Judi James pointed out that Harry’s traditional royal role has always meant the best seats and top treatment at public events.
But in this setting, they seemed to be treated more like regular celebrities than royals.
Harry’s nervous gestures and Meghan’s assertive control over the evening’s flow underscored a shift in their public personas.
This isn’t the first time the couple has been seen as leaning into celebrity status rather than royal duty.
At the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, they were described as a “celebrity power couple” with a rock star welcome.
Some commentators have even suggested Meghan appears more like a Hollywood starlet than a royal.
Lessons from the Royal Family’s Past
This behaviour contrasts sharply with advice reportedly given by Prince Philip to the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton.
Prince Philip emphasised that royal attention should be for the role, not the individual — a mindset Kate is known to embody.
But Harry and Meghan seem to approach their public life differently, which is reflected in their mixed popularity.
Popularity Challenges and Future Prospects
Recent polls reveal the toll this shift has taken. Meghan’s favourability in the UK has dropped to a record low, with only 20 percent viewing her positively — ranking even below Prince Andrew in unpopularity.
Harry’s positive rating isn’t much better at 27 percent. Many in the UK public remain sceptical about their return to royal duties.
As their lucrative Netflix deal winds down and new projects like the upcoming With Love, Meghan series approach release, speculation about their future and potential reconciliation with the Royal Family continues.
Some hope for peace talks might signal a return, while others feel the couple’s new life may no longer align with royal expectations.
What Would a Royal Return Mean?
If Harry and Meghan were to come back as senior royals, it’s clear they’d need to rethink how they relate to the public and the monarchy.
Popularity, tradition, and the role’s demands would all factor heavily into their next steps.
For now, their journey remains a complex balance between royal heritage and celebrity ambitions.