Queen Elizabeth’s funeral: Meghan and Harry’s ‘lack of affection’ analyzed by body language expert

A body language expert says Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, showed a clear “lack of affection” during Queen Elizabeth’s funeral at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

This is in contrast to her record-breaking hand-holding with the Queen, last Wednesday, which made global headlines when some critics called it “inappropriate”.

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Perhaps as a result of this criticism, and as a sign of the formality of the occasion, there was no hand-holding at Monday’s funeral.

“Consistent with the seriousness of the occasion and as a mark of respect, Prince Harry and Meghan forgo their signature hand clasp in favor of a formal distancing and walked side-by-side behind Prince William, Princess Kate, Charlotte and George,” said a body language and liaison specialist Katia Loisel to 7Life.

“While most walked in the procession with arms at her side, a somber Meghan kept her head bowed, eyes downcast and hands clasped in front in a self-protective gesture that indicates a degree of unease or insecurity, and maybe as a sign of respect.”

Once seated, Loisel said the lack of visible or demonstrable affection between the normally “loving and tactile” Harry and Meghan persisted.

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

“While we do see some postural reverberations between the two, their bodies aligned, for the most part they seemed to eschew contact signs such as their signature hand gestures in favor of more formal detachment, perhaps as a sign of respect or in response to recent criticism.” , she remarked.

She added that while Harry and William managed to keep their composure during the procession on foot from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey, their demeanor changed once inside the church.

“Obviously distressed and distraught, the brothers fought back tears to keep it together,” she said.

“Their slightly downturned mouths, pursed lips, furrowed brows, drooping eyelids, downcast eyes, blocked eyes, increased blinking and swallowing indicate genuine sadness and despair.”

Loisel said King Charles, normally “emotionally reticent,” was “clearly wracked with grief.”

During the service, she noted his rhythmic “rocking” back and forth and rubbing the tip of his sword with his thumb, both “calming” and “self-soothing” gestures used when emotionally distressed.

“Often observed during times of high psychological stress, rocking is a powerful way to relieve anxiety and tension and promote a sense of calm by stimulating the center of balance,” she said, noting that Harry and William also engaged in rhythmic rocking movements during the time used funeral service.