In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appear to have reversed the dynamics in their relationship, with Harry now taking on a more submissive role as Meghan’s “alpha,” according to royal commentator and body language expert Judi James.
The couple’s recent video message addressing the issue of online violence against children showcases this shift, as James notes that Meghan “looks less assertive” and is “copying and mirroring her husband, taking her cues from him.”
Whereas previously, “Harry was very much the alpha prince and Meghan was taking her lead from him as she learned the ropes,” the expert observes that the tables have now turned. Meghan is the one “throwing frequent glances at her husband as he speaks, smiling warmly and fondly in a gesture of encouragement and support,” while Harry “seems intent on staying in his role and projecting formality.”
This change in dynamics is particularly noteworthy given the persistent rumors of a potential divorce or separation between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. However, their latest public appearance suggests a renewed sense of unity and collaboration, with Judi James noting that there is “one point” where he seems to want to redefine their unity as a couple and a “professional double act” by wrapping his arms around Meghan.
The expert suggests that this “slightly self-conscious-looking, more formal PDA” is appropriate for the serious and important cause they are championing, indicating a conscious effort to present a united front. Meghan Markle Struggles to Get Prince Harry’s Attention in an “Awkward Moment.”
While the couple’s recent video message showcased a more harmonious dynamic, a previous public appearance earlier this year revealed a more awkward moment between the two.
During a visit to Canada in February to mark “One Year to Go” until the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, Judi James observed that Meghan “seemed to want to be more than just her husband’s ‘Plus One.'”
When Prince Harry invited Meghan to participate in a skeleton ride, he “declined his wife’s intimate gesture” of an embrace, leaving Meghan “with a truncated hug plus two other conversion gestures of slight awkwardness as she waits,” according to the body language expert.
Judi James described the moment as Meghan “so keen to join in and to enjoy the exhilaration with Harry,” only to be “left with a truncated hug” and having to “tap Harry to get his attention” while “covering her mouth in a collusive giggly grin before saying, ‘Well done.'”
This “awkward moment” highlights the delicate balance the couple must navigate as they continue to navigate their roles and public appearances post-royal life. Moment Prince Harry became Meghan Markle’s “Spare.” Revealed by a body language expert
In a separate analysis, Judi James delved into the dynamics of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s appearance on the cover of Time Magazine in 2021, suggesting that Harry “quite openly posed” as Meghan’s “spare.”
Comparing Harry’s pose to that of a “hairdresser presenting his work, with Meghan as the celebrity client and the star of the show,” James noted that Meghan’s dominant presence on the cover, occupying nearly two-thirds of the frame, and her “power pose” with “big hair” and an “upturned V gap under her armpits” signaled her confidence and assertiveness.
James observed that Meghan’s more prominent role seemed to overshadow Harry’s “one leg gone AWOL” and his simple black outfit. While both Meghan and Harry have demonstrated the ability to assume the “alpha” role within their relationship, the Time Magazine cover, according to Judi James, provided a “perfect illustration of their status fluctuations” and a moment when Harry “was quite openly (and presumably compliantly) posing as Meghan’s ‘Spare.'”
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to navigate their public personas and relationship dynamics, these insights from a body language expert provide a fascinating glimpse into the complex and ever-evolving nature of their partnership.