Speculation surrounding the status of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship started
even before the two went public back in 2016. That certainly hasn't stopped now that they're
married, have a child together, and have left their roles as senior royals behind and moved
to Los Angeles. And now, a recent video call from the pair has some people wondering if
they're doing okay.
Speaking to young leaders of color from a charity called "The Queen's Commonwealth Trust"
on July 1st about "fairness, justice and equal rights," Harry looked, quote, "awkward" and
"trapped," according to body language expert Judi James, speaking to the Daily Mail.
"Certainly, when you look across the Commonwealth, there is no way that we can move forward unless
we acknowledge the past."
For those unfamiliar, the Commonwealth of Nations is made up of 54 independent countries,
most of which were at one time controlled by Britain.
"I think so many people have done such an amazing, incredible job of acknowledging the
past and trying to right those wrongs, but I think we all acknowledge on here that there
is so much more still to do."
According to the Daily Mail, to Harry's critics, his comments, quote, "appeared to be a swipe
at the British Empire, and [go] against protocol of royals not wading into politics."
Harry has been in the spotlight since he was born and spent years speaking to the public
on various important issues. However, the Duke of Sussex isn't known for his poker face,
so his demeanor can be very telling. While the prince can certainly handle himself in
intense situations, James noted that, while on the call, Harry, quote, "spoke down to
the floor" and was sitting on the edge of the frame instead of more towards the center.
She explained,
"Unlike his wife, who adopts the solid eye-gaze that suggests active listening and devotion
while he does speak, Harry even looks slightly awkward [...] The prince also falls short
when it comes to trying to express himself, relying on a 'lecturing' tone that fails to
connect."
On the other hand, Markle's behavior was very different, although it may have been just
as telling. James told the tabloid,
"The framing shows Meghan in almost the middle of the shot, able to utilize the space she
has to her left to gesticulate and allow her passion to be illustrated as she speaks. Meghan
is mesmerizing, but Harry either repeats her words or adds a 'Yeah' after she makes a point."
Noting that Harry used humor to break the tension, James added,
"Even this [use of humor] is slightly out of kilter with Meghan’s sense of passion
and purpose though. She laughs and touches her hair but she also corrects him quickly.
She leans in even closer to Harry after this, which shows like-minded thinking and affection,
but which also hints at a desire to close him down for the end of their conversation."
Harry and Meghan may have been at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their mannerisms
during the virtual meeting, but they shared the same message. It was a message that Tory
MP Andrew Rosindell didn't like, telling the Daily Mail that he felt Harry's comments during
the meeting were "disappointing" and that, in his opinion, they would not please the
Queen. Rosindell, a conservative MP, said,
"I don't agree with what [Prince Harry] is saying. We should look forward not back. As
someone who has stepped out of the Royal Family he should focus on his own life and not get
involved in politics. [...] I'm not sure his grandmother would be too pleased either."
As for the public, people on Twitter had mixed reactions. One social media user tweeted,
"Harry, mate. This is really not a good look. Show you care by DOING, like you did with
[The Invictus Games], not this woke preachy crap that just gets people's backs up."
Others were thrilled, with someone writing,
"Well done, I was wondering when they'd get around to this if at all."
Another person added:
"Love this couple, they're absolutely on point."
As for Harry's body language on the call, some social media users said it was difficult
to watch, with one tweeting,
"That video made for uncomfortable watching, I'm beginning to think [Harry's] being held
hostage."
So is Harry's apparent discomfort a sign of trouble at home with Meghan, or is it something
else? Is it just that Harry was the only white person on a group call largely about racial
inequality? For her part, body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that there's
a chance that Harry knew in the moment that his statement about the Commonwealth would
be controversial, and he just reacted accordingly, wearing his heart awkwardly on his sleeve.
James said,
"It’s clear from Harry’s body language here that he realizes the importance of his
words as he brings his hand gestures higher and they seem to be conducting him and his
words as much as adding emphasis."
Harry and Meghan are taking a risk by wading into this conversation. Hopefully the stress
of their post-Royal Family lives isn't putting too much strain on their marriage as they
forge a new path ahead, still very much in the public eye.
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