Meghan Markle's 'Flirty Gestures' on Australia Tour Echo Early Royal Days
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have wrapped up a whirlwind series of engagements in Australia, with a body language expert analysing how their tour harks back to the early days of their relationship. Harry and Meghan arrived in Australia on Tuesday for what has been dubbed a pseudo-royal tour, packing in numerous joint appearances and public displays of affection while meeting adoring fans.
Replicating Newlywed Body Language
According to body language expert Judi James, the couple have been replicating their body language from their visit over seven years ago when they were newlyweds. She noted they were seen clinging to each other during engagements, with Meghan arriving looking exactly as she did on their first royal tour.
"I would say they are almost replicating the body language from the very earliest stages of their marriage on this tour in terms of their relationship," Judi told the Mirror. "Meghan arrived looking more like Harry's 'plus one', allowing him to take the spotlight while his splayed chest and very gentlemanly, protective gestures towards her saw him in Alpha mode."
Ritualistic Public Displays of Affection
Judi added that the couple, who have been known to hold hands and sneak subtle touches in public, seem almost ritualistic in their public displays of affection despite being around hundreds of onlookers. "The tactile bonds between them here also look like a re-run of their engagement days," she explained, "with Meghan clinging to him in a needy-looking ritual that includes the double-cling where she holds his hand and clutches his arm too."
Key Differences from 2018 Tour
While Judi identified many parallels between this tour and their 2018 visit, she pointed out one key difference. "The only thing that has declined slightly from the early days is the flirtier rituals like the very intense face-gazing and eye contact," Judi explained. "The constant touches on his back from Meghan are still a feature though as she appears to quietly steer Harry or announce it is her turn at their meet and greets."
Judi also noted that Meghan's confidence has grown since the couple's 2018 trip Down Under, suggesting a subtle shift in their dynamic while maintaining their close physical connection.
Final Day Engagements
On the final day of their trip on Friday, Meghan spent just two hours at a "girls' weekend" retreat in Sydney costing £1,400 per ticket amid strict security, where she was honoured as the guest speaker. VIP tickets for the Her Best Life event at the five-star InterContinental Coogee Beach hotel cost £1,670 and included a group table photo with the duchess.
There was extensive security at the hotel for the duchess's visit, with media access to the event strictly limited. Meghan was due to appear at the event at 5pm and by 7pm, her car was seen leaving. She was then joined by Harry and the pair were later snapped at the New South Wales Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika rugby match, concluding their Australian engagements.
This visit marks the Duke and Duchess's first trip Down Under since their 2018 visit, where they spent 16 days travelling around Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand on their first royal tour as a married couple. The current tour's resemblance to those early royal days has sparked discussion about whether the couple are consciously recreating that period of their relationship through their body language and public interactions.
