Prince Harry made a rare public appearance alongside Meghan Markle during their latest outing in Nottingham. Although the Duke of Sussex appeared happy to greet the crowds, one body language expert believes a few subtle gestures suggested he was also feeling nervous.
Expert says Prince Harry’s body language pointed towards nervousness
Prince Harry’s body language has sparked fresh discussion following his joint appearance with Meghan Markle in Nottingham. The couple recently made their first public engagement together in the U.K. since relocating with their family earlier this year.
According to Mirror, body language expert Beth Dawson suggested Harry displayed several signs of nervousness throughout the outing. She pointed to his quick movements and repeated habit of wiping his hands on his trousers.
Dawson said Harry moved “from side to side” and did not appear completely relaxed. She also noted that he repeatedly wiped his palms against his trousers during the event.
The expert explained that the gesture could indicate sweaty palms caused by stress. Alternatively, she said it may be a self-soothing habit rather than a sign of physical discomfort. “I have seen him do this before,” Dawson said. She added that it appears to be one of Harry’s regular behaviors during public appearances.
However, Dawson emphasized that it is impossible to know exactly what Harry was feeling. Instead, she suggested the repeated hand-wiping could be one of his habitual coping mechanisms while facing large crowds and cameras.
The expert also contrasted Harry’s body language with Meghan Markle’s. She noted that Meghan’s background as a professional actor may make her appear more comfortable during public-facing events.
Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 before relocating to the United States. The couple returned to the U.K. with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in August.
Since then, King Charles has confirmed they remain non-working members of the Royal Family. Although Harry appeared upbeat during the Nottingham visit, Dawson believes his subtle gestures suggested the occasion carried extra significance for the Duke.
