An “icy” exchange between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton is an indication that the Duchess of Sussex is feeling uneasy and that the new Princess of Wales is trying to “freeze” her out, according to a body-language expert.
The cold look was allegedly flashed when the the so-called “Fab Four” — Middleton, her husband Prince William, Markle and her spouse Prince Harry — were partaking in a walkabout at Windsor Castle on Sunday amid ceremonies in honor of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The seemingly tense interaction was caught on camera, with viewers speculating what the awkward moment might indicate.
According to body-language expert Katia Loisel, the split-second interaction indicated Meghan is feeling uneasy and that it appears her confidence has been “torn.”
“Quite unlike the confident Meghan we know, Meghan appeared ill at ease during this encounter, which is not surprising given the recent criticism that she has faced,” Loisel told Seven News in Australia.
The Princess of Wales (second from left) shot Meghan Markle a frosty look on Sunday, according to a body-language expert.ReutersAccording to Loisel, Prince William made an effort to “include and connect with” his brother and sister-in-law, but Kate appeared to be “reluctant to interact.”
Loisel said Meghan looked at Kate “numerous times,” but Kate didn’t reciprocate.
“Rather, Kate appeared to look through her, suggesting underlying tension between the pair,” she said.
According to the body-language expert, Meghan appeared “clearly taken aback and uncertain” over her sister-in-law’s demeanor.
Tensions were reportedly high between the royal couples.ZUMAPRESS.com“[Meghan was] stepping sideways, orientating her body away from Kate, shifting her weight from foot, her head slightly stooped,” Loisel analyzed. “Her gestures uncertain and hesitant with the use of manipulators or self-adaptors further suggesting discomfort and uncertainty.”
Loisel listed several “nonverbal” barriers that Meghan displayed — such as placing her arm in front of her body, lifting her arm as if to wave and adjusting her hair — as indications she was feeling uncomfortable.
“Meghan’s nonverbal communication suggests that she may have felt out of place and didn’t quite know where to put herself, with Prince Harry gently standing behind her, touching her arms and leading her in a protective and reassuring show of support,” Loisel concluded.
Meanwhile, responses online seem divided over Middleton’s intentions as well as Markle’s response.
“I am starting to feel warmth towards Meghan and feeling rather disappointed in Kate. I pray these two ladies are able to sort out their differences for the sake of their husbands,” said one critic in response to a video, posted to Twitter, depicting the live interaction.
“It reads like Meghan is trying to not overstep, so taking her cue from [William] who is clearly the one calling shots,” replied another.
The royal siblings were reunited after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8. The two couples were photographed together the day before for the first time since 2020, while greeting the public at Windsor Castle.
Tensions have been reportedly high between the royal family and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ever since the couple left the UK and relocated to California in early 2020 — after notoriously quitting their royal roles.
