Body Language Experts Criticise Harry and Meghan's Australian Tour as 'Divisive and Repulsive'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have encountered a mixed reception upon their arrival in Australia, with body language specialists controversially labelling the Sussexes' interactions as 'unreal' and 'repulsive'. The couple's tour, which began with a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, saw them greeted by cheering crowds, yet experts have sharply criticised their physical demeanour.
Contrasting Reactions at Melbourne Hospital
Despite an overwhelmingly warm welcome at the Royal Children's Hospital, where Harry and Meghan spoke to young patients and posed for photographs, body language expert Dr Louise Mahler branded their appearance 'divisive and repulsive'. The couple was photographed walking into the hospital foyer, with Meghan grasping Harry's upper arm, which Mahler described as 'like a tiny helpless waif'.
Mahler elaborated, stating, 'Meghan grabs hold of Harry’s upper arm and hangs on like a tiny helpless waif, reaching out shyly with half an arm to greet others, like a retiring introvert overcome by adoration.' She noted that the pair crouched down to embrace children and participated in a garden activity, but argued their behaviour seemed incongruent with their known personal struggles.
Expert Highlights 'Alarmingly Unreal' Demeanour
Dr Mahler further criticised the couple's physical appearance, remarking, 'The physical appearance we see bears no scar of the family conflict, staff distress and financial and business turmoil we know exists. Even the glaringly omnipresent effect of jetlag is not present after a 16-hour flight back in time. None of it shows and somehow that makes it alarmingly unreal, divisive and for me, repulsive.'
This assessment starkly contrasts with feedback from hospital staff. Dr Peter Steer, the hospital’s chief executive, described the visit as 'genuinely meaningful' for patients and staff, highlighting the positive impact on those receiving care.
Additional Criticism from US Body Language Expert
Later in the day, Meghan served lunch at McAuley Community Services for Women, a women's refuge, where US body language expert Dr Lillian Glass also offered a negative analysis. Dr Glass stated, 'Meghan's body language is most revealing. She's got a plastered-on phony smile when feeding the homeless.'
She added, 'Her continuous open mouth, inappropriate laughter, and over-the-top smiles are both unnerving and disturbing.' Dr Glass suggested that the couple's actions appeared insincere, particularly given the audience of homeless individuals and ill children who might not recognise them.
Background of the Australian Tour
The Sussexes' tour marks their first major public engagement in Australia, a country with historical royal ties. Their visit included:
- Interacting with children suffering from chronic illnesses at the Royal Children's Hospital.
- Participating in a group gardening activity at the hospital.
- Meghan serving lunch and engaging with women at a refuge.
While some Australians cheered the couple, others branded them 'irrelevant', reflecting the polarised opinions surrounding their public appearances. The experts' comments have sparked debate about the authenticity of royal engagements and the scrutiny faced by high-profile figures.
