Harry and Meghan were not their usual selves during the Queen’s emotional funeral service on September 19, a body language expert claimed.
Thousands of people, including members of the Royal Family, gathered at Westminster Abbey on Monday to pay their final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch in history.
Among the mourners were also the Duke and Duchess of Sussex whose trip to the UK got delayed after the tragic news of the Queen’s passing on September 8.
While Harry and Meghan have since reunited with the royals and walked side by side with Prince William and Kate outside Windsor Castle, a body language expert suggested they acted differently than they did during their past public appearances.
Throughout the funeral service, Meghan kept her head bowed and showed little affection while keeping a “formal distance” from her husband most of the time.
Though the couple is well-known for holding hands in public, they kept their hands to themselves most of the time during the ceremonies.
As body language expert Katia Loisel suggested, the distinct “lack of affection” between the Sussexes could be a result of the backlash and criticism the couple faced over their “inappropriate” PDA.
“In keeping with the seriousness of the occasion and a show of respect, Prince Harry and Meghan forewent their signature hand clasp in favor of a formal distance, walking side by side behind Prince William, Princess Kate, Charlotte and George,” Loisel told 7Life.
“Whilst most in the procession walked with arms by their side, a somber 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.”
The body language expert added: “It was interesting to note the lack of affection and mutual touch between Prince Harry and Meghan.
“Whilst we see some postural echoing between the pair on a couple of occasions, their bodies orientated towards one another, for the most part they appeared to avoid contact.”
Loisel’s comments come shortly after she commented on the Fab four’s historic walkabout in Windsor during which Kate, the Princess of Wales, appeared to ignore Meghan and give her a sharp glare.
“On numerous occasions Meghan looked over at Kate, however, the gaze wasn’t reciprocated,” Loisel previously said as she suggested Kate wanted to “freeze out” Meghan during their walk.
While Meghan at one point reached out to Kate to offer her hand, she paused midair after the Princess of Wales didn’t appear interested in formalities.
“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,” Loisel explained.
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