During a visit to a Melbourne homeless shelter, Meghan Markle demonstrated what a body language expert has described as "admirable levels of self-confidence about her beauty" when showered with compliments by a resident. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, was reportedly in "purr mode" as she engaged with women at the McAuley Community Services for Women, a facility supporting those experiencing homelessness and family violence.
Unique Response to Flattery
Body language expert Judi James observed that unlike most people who respond to compliments with "denial, disbelief or embarrassment," Meghan basked in the praise during her solo engagement. This occurred on the first day of her and Prince Harry's quasi-royal tour of Australia, which began on April 14.
In footage from the shelter, a woman named Leah can be heard telling Meghan, "Oh, you look amazing, you look like a model." The Duchess leaned in closer and responded, "Oh my god, that's so generous," before Leah added that Meghan was "glowing" and praised her wrinkle-free complexion.
Body Language Analysis
Ms James highlighted how Meghan moved closer to Leah to "get a closer look at her lack of wrinkles" while "performing a drawn-out response of gratitude." The expert noted, "As the compliments rain down, Meghan leans back and closes her eyes with a smile, looking to be in 'purr' mode, and hunches her shoulders in a small self-hug."
James explained that while most people hide their faces or make self-effacing jokes when complimented, Meghan's responses suggest exceptional self-confidence regarding her appearance. The Duchess wore a £920 designer dress protected by a striped apron as she served plates of frittata to residents at the shelter.
Tour Activities and Fashion Partnership
The Sussexes' four-day Australian itinerary includes charity events, business engagements, and public appearances. During the tour, Meghan unveiled her new partnership with OneOff, an AI-powered fashion discovery platform based in Los Angeles that allows fans to purchase clothing she wears.
Meghan has become both a participant and investor in OneOff, which she joined to promote outfits worn during the Australian tour and ensure designers receive proper credit. The platform's press release stated, "She cares about fashion and was motivated to invest not only to expand her portfolio, but to help uplift the fashion designers she is a fan of."
Tour Fashion Details
At Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital, Meghan wore a $1,250 (£922) 'Priscilla' dress by local designer Karen Gee, complemented by $780 (£575) earrings from Real Fine Studio and $120 (£88) Christian Dior pumps. All three items were promoted on OneOff, though the platform didn't mention her Tiffany gold bracelet or Princess Diana's Cartier watch.
Later at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum, her outfit included a $1,000 (£737) St Agni jacket, an $890 (£656) skirt by the same brand, a $220 (£162) top by PJ Femme, and £479 Aquazzura pumps. OneOff features photos of Meghan from various events with options to buy her clothing, joining other celebrities like Kate Hudson and Emma Roberts on the platform.
Additional Tour Highlights
Channel 10 announced that Meghan will guest-star on the new season of MasterChef Australia, releasing an image showing her smiling alongside judges Jean-Christophe Novelli, Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin. The caption read, "We're welcoming someone SUPER special into the MasterChef Kitchen," noting this marks her first return to Australia since 2018.
Later in the week, Meghan is scheduled to headline a £1,400-per-head "girls' weekend" retreat in Sydney. Meanwhile, Prince Harry discussed his therapy experiences in Melbourne during a Movember event about fatherhood, stating he knew he "had stuff from the past that I needed to deal with" before having children.
The Duke also met Indigenous veterans at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and attended a Last Post Ceremony. The couple will join Invictus community members on Sydney Harbour and meet past competitors before concluding their visit at a rugby fixture between New South Wales Waratahs and Moana Pasifika on Friday.
This marks the Sussexes' first Australian visit since 2018, when they announced Meghan's pregnancy with Prince Archie shortly after arrival. Their current tour has faced some criticism from those who accuse them of using Australia "like an ATM" during what they describe as a "money making" tour.
