Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first interview analysed by body language expert
'She is comfortable being strong with him'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Prince Harry and Meghan Markle finally announced their engagement yesterday.
After weeks of speculation, the pair made their first public appearance as an engaged couple in a photo call at the Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace – experts have been quick to analyse their behaviour.
While Judi James told Mail Online that the Prince “looked terribly awkward”, body language expert Patti Wood told The Independent that his movements showed a “deep affection” and desire to be close to his future wife.
James claimed that Markle appeared “confident” and “informal” in comparison to her “terribly shy” husband-to-be.
While Wood explained that the future Duchess comes across as "comfortable" and self-assured in the Prince's company, she claims that the couple seem perfectly suited to one another.
“Significantly, throughout the interview Markle keeps turning her full head towards him to gaze at him,” she said.
She added that their body language seemed particularly intimate when the two discussed the story of how the Prince proposed.
“Notice how his head tilts toward her to show his desire to connect and be seen as couple answering the question not just have it be his story.
“The very next question she jumps in and answers, but again turns to check in with him.
“I just love how they each have power and how they each check in with each other in a very nice dance,” she continued.
Another sweet moment between the couple was when they described their first meeting.
“As she talks about the blind date, she also gestures with her free hand as well,” Wood points out.
“See how they both turn their heads and go into a long mutual gaze to recall the moment they met together? They relive it right in front of us, it’s lovely.
“Next he huffs, intakes a breath and says: 'I am really going to have to up my game.' And she keeps looking on and smiling and laughing.”
The photo call was also the first time Markle had been pictured wearing her engagement ring: a yellow gold princess-cut featuring diamonds from Botswana and the late Princess Diana’s personal jewellery collection.
The Prince reportedly designed the stunning piece of jewellery himself.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments