Body language expert Judi James has revealed the precise moment that proved Meghan Markle would never conform to traditional royal protocol. The incident occurred at the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, just a month before the royal wedding.
The event marked an important step in introducing Harry's bride-to-be to the world stage. It came as a surprise to royal observers, as it is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the Royal Family to be involved in such a high-profile occasion.
One specific moment showed Meghan attempting to walk in front of Prince Harry, which goes against royal protocol. Harry also stepped forward to shake hands with a delegate, causing the couple to bump into each other.
Expert reveals turning point
The Prince promptly stepped back, apologised and allowed Meghan to take the lead. Judi James told the Daily Mail this showed "green shoots of Meghan inducting Harry into the etiquette of non-royal life".
James said: "At the time this seemed like nothing more than a small body language reset for Harry, who had taken protocol as the norm all his life but who had chosen a US actress and self-proclaimed feminist as his wife, suggesting a desire for change. Harry had been the star of his own show for decades, and his personal brand was about military strength and daring laced with a cheeky sense of humour. The traditional royal role would be for him to induct his bride into the complicated and archaic choreography of royal life, but what we saw here was the green shoots of Meghan inducting Harry into the etiquette of non-royal life."
Etiquette expert William Hanson explained the protocol conflict at the time. He said: "From a protocol point of view, Harry should have gone first as Meghan is the consort. But from a chivalry point of view, it is always preferable to let your spouse or girlfriend go first. So he wasn't wrong, but he wasn't right either."
Detailed anxiety patterns emerge
The body language expert observed specific signs of Harry's anxiety during the event. James noted his rapid blink rate and tongue between his teeth, while Meghan displayed natural social confidence.
James continued: "Even in these few moments of prancing wobbles and redirection, we can see Meghan's social confidence glow while Harry's insecurities rise closer to the surface. He is the one having to learn to synchronise with another person. Meghan has already been married, and her TV career will have allowed her to know all about moving smoothly and competently with someone else by her side, either on set or in real life. When there's a misstep, it's Harry who leaps into correction mode, while Meghan always sees her movements through to the end."
During interactions with delegates, Meghan naturally retained group attention while Harry stepped back. The expert observed Harry putting one hand in his pocket as he watched Meghan's charisma take effect, even clasping his left wrist in his right hand as though unsure about how and when to shake hands.
James added: "Her trait of mirroring Harry's animated gesticulation on two occasions here shows she is taking some cues from him in terms of royal chats, but she seems to pick up on his emphatic and illustrated gesticulation to ensure he doesn't upstage her socially. Once she has a group's attention, we can see her very naturally and elegantly retain it."
Professional background advantage
Coming off her role as Rachel Zane in Suits, Meghan was already accustomed to the spotlight and performing on stage. James noted Meghan's ability to move smoothly and competently with someone else by her side, either on set or in real life.
The expert observed how Meghan would take control of group interactions. James said: "When they say farewell to the first group, Meghan moves in closer than Harry to display her talent for more immersive chats. It's Meghan who takes the decision for him now, bending her knees to duck in and step quietly in front to get in first with the second group."
James continued: "Meghan's group chat here shows her early skills in terms of earning attention and genuine interest. Her raised brows signal engagement and authority: this is the gesture of someone you would listen to, and her animated gestures show interest and engagement rather than small talk."
Pattern continues worldwide
A similar dynamic occurred during Harry and Meghan's Dublin visit in July 2018, shortly after their wedding. James noted the pattern has continued into recent appearances, including Meghan taking centre stage at the Time 100 Summit in New York in April this year.
Only the Mirror reports that this dynamic was also evident at a Jamaica film premiere, where Harry appeared unfamiliar with Hollywood hierarchy protocols. Meghan's half-brother Tom Junior told the Express that his sister was "always the centre of attention, so that never stopped", adding that she has "star quality".
The body language expert concluded that even before she officially became a Duchess, Harry allowed his wife to take centre stage at events while he followed her lead. This translates into their ongoing body language dynamic, with Meghan most at ease in the spotlight.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "Mirror", "Express"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
