Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a notably rare joint public appearance earlier this month, attending the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in the United States. The couple were present to support the premiere of the documentary film Cookie Queens, a project they executive produced through their media company, Archewell Productions.
A Shift in Dynamic Noted by Expert
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared cheerful and engaged on the red carpet, posing for photographs with the film's director Alysa Nahmias, a leading body language expert has identified subtle but telling signs of a shift in their dynamic. Judi James, a renowned analyst, observed a 'missed beat' in their non-verbal communication during the event.
"It appears as though Meghan and Harry are rebranding or just not quite in kilter at this event," James told the Daily Express US, suggesting the couple's usual synchronised presence showed signs of discordance.
Analysis of Meghan's Demeanour
Judi James provided a detailed analysis, focusing particularly on the Duchess's demeanour. She noted that Meghan Markle, who typically projects an image of polished control, exhibited signs of tension. "Meghan's smile suggests some tension or hints that she may not have felt quite as pitch-perfect in control of the posing," James explained.
The expert pointed out specific physical cues: "Her teeth look edge-to-edge, and her smile doesn't quite make it to the eyes." Furthermore, James highlighted that "her left hand placement is not in keeping with her current 'catwalk chic' look, either pushed into her pocket or dangling awkwardly by the thumb," indicating a departure from her normally confident posture.
Contrast with Harry's Composure
In contrast, the analysis suggested Prince Harry presented a more relaxed figure, albeit with reservations. "Harry actually looks a little more relaxed here, although his closed lip, tempered smile doesn't mirror his wife's expression," James observed. This lack of mirrored expressions between the couple was cited as a key indicator of the perceived disconnect in their body language during the high-profile outing.
The Context of the Appearance
The appearance was for the premiere of Cookie Queens, a documentary that follows four determined girls navigating the competitive, high-stakes world of Girl Scout cookie sales, an industry valued at around $800 million. Meghan Markle took to the stage during the event to deliver a speech, expressing pride in their involvement.
"This film, yes, is probably the cutest at the festival," the Duchess stated. "But I'm also going to go out on a limb and say it is one of the most powerful and meaningful depictions of something that is an American tradition and rooted in nostalgia." She and Harry described feeling 'proud and privileged' to support the project.
This joint outing marks a significant departure from their recent pattern of largely separate public engagements, placing their interaction under increased scrutiny from observers and experts alike.
