Meghan Markle's Red Carpet Behavior Shows Protective Instincts Toward Pregnant Friend
Body language expert Judi James has provided a detailed analysis of Meghan Markle's recent public appearance with her close friend Kelly Zajfen, suggesting the Duchess of Sussex displayed clear protective instincts and celebratory gestures toward her pregnant companion.
Intimate Gestures on the Red Carpet
The Duchess of Sussex made her first public appearance since taking personal control of her As Ever brand following the conclusion of her Netflix partnership. She attended the Alliance for Children's Rights' 34th Annual Champions for Children event at the luxurious Beverly Wilshire hotel in Los Angeles alongside Kelly Zajfen, co-founder of Alliance of Moms.
According to Judi James, Meghan's repeated cradling of Kelly's baby bump for photographers represented "one of the biggest signals of strong trust and intimacy" between the two women. The expert noted that Meghan's eyes scanned the cameras as she deliberately drew attention to her friend's happy pregnancy.
"Patting or holding Kelly's baby bump, as she does here, is probably one of the biggest signals of strong trust and intimacy performed between the women," James told the Daily Mail. "Meghan's eyes scan round the cameras as she draws attention to her friend's happy pregnancy."
Protective Body Language Signals
The body language analysis revealed deeper meanings behind the tactile display between the two friends. James observed that Meghan's "encircling arm" around Kelly not only demonstrated the tightness of their relationship but also suggested a desire to protect her friend.
"She presses her head in against Kelly's head to show levels of trust and she closes her eyes at one point in a gesture that would signal a sentimental version of love," James explained.
The expert detailed how Meghan enacted a "protective-looking pat on Kelly's back" and performed a "courteous hand clasp" when they first arrived, with Kelly's hand pointing downward. "It was as though Meghan was delivering her onto the red carpet and showing how precious she is to her," James added.
Friendship Spanning Two Decades
Meghan and Kelly have maintained their close friendship for more than twenty years, with their bond strengthening significantly following the tragic loss of Kelly's nine-year-old son George to Covid-19 and viral meningitis in July 2022. The friends displayed what James described as "prom night friendship rituals" on the red carpet, repeatedly hugging and holding hands in a fond public display of their connection.
Kelly, who announced in November that she is expecting a baby boy, has publicly praised Meghan's support during her difficult times. "She's been by my side, especially since Georgie died, and I cherish our friendship very much," Kelly shared during an Instagram Q&A session in September 2025.
The two friends are believed to have originally met through Meghan's ex-husband Trevor Engelson, who maintains friendship with Kelly's entertainment lawyer husband.
Charitable Connections and Public Appearances
Beyond their personal relationship, Meghan and Kelly share charitable interests. Following George's death, Meghan and Prince Harry donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe established in George's honor, attributing the contribution to their children Lilibet and Archie. Kelly has described the couple as a "guiding light" during her period of grief.
In recent years, Harry and Meghan have attended several of Kelly's charity events and initiatives honoring George's memory, including a charity tennis tournament that coincided with Prince Harry's 40th birthday celebrations.
The friends have made multiple public appearances together supporting various causes, including an event for LA Children's Hospital in October 2024 where they were photographed holding hands and smiling warmly at each other.
Appearance Amid Netflix Partnership Changes
Meghan's red carpet appearance with Kelly comes during a period of transition for the Duchess's professional endeavors. Recent reports indicate the conclusion of the Sussexes' partnership with Netflix, with industry publication Variety describing the union as "far from a fairy tale."
According to the report, Netflix executives were reportedly "exhausted" by what they perceived as repetitive storytelling about the couple's royal exit, while shows like With Love, Meghan allegedly delivered "lacklustre" ratings. The streaming service is said to have paid approximately £45 million for a five-year deal with the Sussexes.
Despite these professional developments, Meghan appeared in fine form at the charity event, wearing a stylish navy Ralph Lauren strapless gown and black Stuart Weitzman sandals as she celebrated her friend's pregnancy and their longstanding friendship.
