Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were back in the spotlight as they carried out a string of royal-style engagements in Nottingham, England, with one particular moment mirroring a familiar dynamic between the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Body language expert Judi James pointed out the similarity between the two couples, noting that Harry displayed "signals of being keen to move Meghan on" as she stayed to chat with well-wishers — something Catherine is known for.
"It's reminiscent of a recent royal outing from William and [Catherine] when [Catherine] appeared unwilling to rush away from keen and adoring fans, prompting William to show playful signals of mock impatience, even gazing at his watch in a theatrical manner," Judi tells HELLO!.
"The message of popularity is strongly displayed by the couple here, and it is further emphasized as they walk away from the small group of fans and turn in towards the venue."
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Judi also said the moment implied Meghan's "desire to spend time with her fans" and Harry's "desire to happily try to keep her to schedule, i.e. she is just 'so popular.'"
According to Judi, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's body language following their arrival at the Community Recording Studio on October 15 self-defined their "first joint return appearance as a success, not just in 'ordinary citizens' terms but in royal terms too, as their crowd-surfing behaviors complete with gifts and bouquets is something only a royal would normally experience."
The couple walked in what Judi described as "splay mode," with their hands clasped together and "their arms and torsos akimbo, suggesting they are now reassured and happy to soak up the attention and spotlight again."
"Harry adopts a 'jaunty' alpha-style walk here and his 'hail' gesture to the small group plus his excited facial expression make him look like the homecoming hero," Judi says.
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"As they turn Meghan even touches his arm in a tie-sign signal of connection that seems to acknowledge their ongoing popularity, then adds a dramatic hand to the chest gesture that appears to suggest she is overwhelmed by their reception and any cheers."
Thursday marked the Sussexes' first joint public appearance since moving back to the UK after six years of residing in California. When HELLO!, who was on the ground in Nottingham, asked Meghan if she was happy to be back, the Duchess responded with a thumbs up and a "yes."
While the day had all the trappings of a royal visit, Meghan and Harry are no longer working members of the royal family, having officially stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Now, more than six years after the Sandringham Summit, a friend of the Sussexes has told HELLO! that Meghan and Harry "never agreed they wouldn't be half in half out."
"That was what was decided and foisted upon them,” the friend said. "They're just living their lives and they can, because they're financially independent."