Body language expert weighs in on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship

A body language expert has pointed out the ‘distinct lack of affection’ between Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex just days after they were slammed over ‘inappropriate hand holding’ at the Queen‘s lying in state service.

The couple, who are typically seen with their fingers interlocked, kept their distance throughout the funeral service at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

Body language expert Katia Loisal explained the distinct change in the couple’s behaviour could have been a reaction recent intense criticism over their public displays of affection.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex showed ‘no signs of affection’ during the Queen’s funeral, body language expert says

This comes after the couple were grilled for their ‘inappropriate hand holding’ during the Queen’s lying in state service

‘It was interesting to note the lack of affection and mutual touch between Prince Harry and Meghan,’ she said. 

The couple filed into the church behind Prince William, Princess Kate, Charlotte and George, keeping a ‘formal distance’ as they walked side-by-side.

‘Whilst most in the procession walked with arms by their side, a sombre Meghan kept her head bowed, eyes downcast and hands clasped in front, in a self-protective gesture indicating a level of discomfort or uncertainty, and perhaps as a sign of respect,’ Katia told 7Life.

The couple maintained the ‘rigid’ formal distance once they sat down, though they did slightly orientate their bodies toward each other and ‘mimic’ each other’s posture.

Katia pointed out other unusual body language from the royals in attendance – noting the typically composed family showed signs of ‘genuine sadness and distress’.

Prince William and Harry both had compressed lips, furrowed brows, droopy eyelids and a noticeable increase in blinking and swallowing – indicating they were holding back tears, she explained.

‘Whilst most in the procession walked with arms by their side, a sombre Meghan kept her head bowed, eyes downcast,’ Katia said

She also ‘had her hands clasped in front, in a self-protective gesture indicating a level of discomfort or uncertainty, and perhaps as a sign of respect,’ Katia explained

Their father, King Charles, was also showing signs of distress. He repeated pacifying and self soothing gestures to get through the service, including stroking the top of his sword and ‘rocking backwards and forwards’.

‘Rocking is often seen in times of high psychological distress and is an effective way of reducing anxiety and tension, promoting a sense of calm through stimulation of the balance centre,’ Katia explained, noting the princes also rocked throughout the service. 

The expert recently weighed in on an ‘icy moment’ between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, after the newly-minted Princess of Wales was seen flashing a stern glare at her sister-in-law during the Fab Four’s walkabout at Windsor Castle over the weekend. 

The expert said pictures of the princes showed they were holding back tears 

While she highlighted the King’s distress, explained he was rocking and stroking his sword, in an attempt to self-soothe and push through

Video of the seemingly-tense interaction – which came amid ongoing speculation about the frosty rift between Prince William and his brother Prince Harry – was closely dissected by viewers on the internet, with thousands speculating about the meaning behind it. 

Katia suggested the split-second ‘look’ would have torn into Meghan’s self-confidence and noting that the Duchess of Sussex seemed incredibly uneasy during the public appearance. 

‘Quite unlike the confident Meghan we know, Meghan appeared ill at ease during this encounter, which is not surprising given the recent criticism that she has faced,’ Katia told Seven News. 

An ‘icy moment’ between Kate Middleton, the newly-minted Princess of Wales, and Meghan Markle is being dissected online after the pair were reunited on Sunday

The tense look melted away as Kate tuned to wave to the crowd

She went on to note that Prince William appeared to be making an effort with his sister in-law, but claimed Kate’s actions made it look as though she was trying to ‘freeze out’ Meghan. 

‘On numerous occasions Meghan looked over at Kate, however, the gaze wasn’t reciprocated,’ Katia said.

The expert noted Kate chose to ‘look through’ Meghan instead.

This, Katia says, appeared to make Meghan feel uncertain and uncomfortable which can be seen in the way she stooped her head, side stepped and faced away from Kate. 

‘Meghan’s hand lifted hesitantly as if to wave, but stopped mid air, rather pausing to adjust her hair, her head and gaze lowered, before looking up and giving a quick wave, her arm coming back to rest in front of her body in a partial arm barrier,’ Katia added. 

Meghan’s body language didn’t go unnoticed by Harry, according Katia, who touched her arm gently and came to her side to protect her. 

Katia’s…