The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s interactions at the Invictus Games drew scrutiny, with expert Judi James weighing in on their body language.
At the Invictus Games in Canada, body language expert Judi James shared her insights on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s public interactions. According to Judi, Meghan’s gestures conveyed a strong message about their relationship, using what she referred to as a “limpet cling” pose—an exaggerated display of affection meant to project unity and devotion.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, on February 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Judi explained that Meghan’s affectionate behavior went beyond natural expressions of love. She suggested that Meghan was making a conscious effort to communicate something to the public through these exaggerated physical gestures.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, kiss during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Source: Getty Images
“Meghan’s body language at the Canadian Invictus doesn’t just look like a natural expression of love,” Judi noted. “Her ‘limpet clinging,’ latching trait in particular appears to be a projection signal, as though she’s trying to get an important message across to the world via some exaggerated body language displays.”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Source: Getty Images
During the opening ceremony of the games, Judi observed that Prince Harry maintained a “suitably modest” demeanor while Meghan leaned into him, appearing to highlight him as a heroic figure.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
The expert also addressed the perception that Meghan tends to take on a dominant role in their relationship, sometimes seen guiding Harry or even appearing to move him aside. However, the more pronounced clinging gestures at the event seemed to counteract that perception.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
Judi elaborated that such poses could serve to balance public opinions about their dynamic, making Meghan appear more submissive and deeply enamored, while Harry appears strong. “They make her look submissive and besotted and him look strong,” Judi explained.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the Skeleton Finals during day two of the 2025 Invictus Games on February 10, 2025, in Whistler, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
She also pointed out that in many of these moments, Harry did not necessarily reciprocate the clinging but rather remained upright or slightly leaned away. This, according to Judi, signaled that Meghan was deliberately crafting a visual message, while Harry simply absorbed the moment.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photo as they attend the Wheelchair Basketball final between USA and Israel during day one of the 2025 Invictus Games on February 9, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
At another point during the event, Judi noted how Meghan interlocked her fingers with Harry’s in a way that emphasized their connection. She described this as a gesture of “ownership,” reinforcing their close bond and possibly serving as a response to critics.
Additionally, at an ice hockey game later that evening, Meghan was seen lowering her head onto Harry’s bicep. Judi interpreted this as another submissive gesture aimed at portraying Harry as a protective figure.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seen at the Whistler Welcoming Ceremony during day two of the 2025 Invictus Games on February 10, 2025, in Whistler, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
Judi also highlighted Meghan’s awareness of the cameras. She suggested that Meghan’s pronounced head tilts and affectionate stances were intended to create a visual representation of togetherness, making their interactions more camera-friendly.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pictured during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Source: Getty Images
The expert linked this to Meghan’s recent return to social media, noting that such poses align with the influencer-style imagery often shared online.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle watch the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, Canada | Source: Getty Images
During another appearance in Whistler, Meghan continued her pattern of physical closeness by holding onto Harry’s arm while on stage. According to Judi, this reinforced their “date night” dynamic.
She noted that at one point, Harry leaned in towards the microphone, and Meghan mirrored his posture. This, she explained, suggested teamwork and a shared energy, further solidifying their public image as a closely bonded couple.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the Whistler Welcoming Ceremony during day two of the 2025 Invictus Games on February 10, 2025, in Whistler, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
Beyond body language, Meghan’s appearance at the event also drew attention for her fashion choices. Vogue Magazine shared an Instagram post highlighting her outfit for the official kickoff ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games.
The publication noted that she brought “a polished and elegant look to the affair” and opted for one of her “go-to coat brands” to keep warm during the event.
As images and videos from the event circulated online, social media users reacted with mixed opinions. Some focused on Meghan’s gestures, while others speculated about Prince Harry’s demeanor. Several users on X commented on his expressions, questioning whether he appeared distant.
A netizen’s comment on Prince Harry, dated February 12, 2025 | Source: X/annehicks56
One user wrote, “If there’s one thing I’m 100% sure of, it’s that Harry has finally started waking up and realizing just how unbelievably dumb he’s been with his choice of wife. His disconnected and sad face says it all. It’s almost painful to watch him Anyone else sharing my impression [sic]?”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seen at the Wheelchair Curling on day one of the 2025 Invictus Games at the Hillcrest Community Centre on February 9, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
Another user simply stated, “This is not a happy look.” Observing Harry’s body language, one person added, “He has been distant, and his expression says it all. Whenever she notices the camera, she puts on the widest smile, but his energy isn’t matching hers.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Source: Getty Images
Others had similar reactions. “She is talking to herself again since Harry’s mind seems somewhere else. He looks completely disconnected,” one comment read. Another user speculated about their future, “Divorce? Nah. Maybe next week ~ body language experts [sic]?”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pictured at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Source: Getty Images
However, not all opinions were negative. One user dismissed speculation, “Looks like a typical married couple who love each other and have disagreements ..”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend the wheelchair basketball match between the USA v Nigeria during day one of the 2025 Invictus Games at the Vancouver Convention Centre on February 9, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
Some, though, remained skeptical. “It’s not working anymore,” one person claimed, while another noted, “She looks angry in the first image, also like she’s steering him down [sic].”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games at BC Place on February 8, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Source: Getty Images
Through her analysis, Judi pointed out that Meghan’s gestures at the Invictus Games were likely intentional, creating a powerful visual message about their relationship.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Wheelchair Curling at Hillcrest Recreation Centre during day one of the 2025 Invictus Games at on February 9, 2025, in Vancouver, British Columbia | Source: Getty Images
Whether responding to criticism or simply reinforcing their bond, Meghan Markle’s body language appeared to emphasize affection, devotion, and admiration for her husband.