Meghan Markle is controlling Harry using gestures like 'pat of power' and arm grab, say body language experts
A number of celebrity couples have secret gestures worked out between them that are used as codes for communicating with each other when they are out there in the public. When it comes to Harry and Meghan Markle, both of them seem to have synced their body language so well that one cannot tell if they are exchanging subtle touches out of affection or as a means of controlling the other.
The seamless non-verbal communication between the two was never more apparent than during the pair's last engagements as working members of the royal family before they officially bow out on March 31 when Megxit takes effect.
According to a Daily Mail report, the series of public appearances was the first time the Duke of Sussex was seen voluntarily taking a back seat as he let his wife take the lead.
Perhaps one of the most glaring examples of this was when Meghan expertly maneuvered her husband, gesturing him to step out of the way so she could speak to another woman at the London's Mansion House last week, where the couple attended the annual Endeavour Fund Awards. In the clip that later went viral, the Duchess was seen gently tugging his shoulder with her hand so she could step forward.
Following the gesture, Harry glanced sideways, stepped out of the way and ushered his wife past him by placing a hand to his wife's back.
Another gesture that Meghan frequently engaged in was placing a hand on Harry's back when he was interacting with others at the events. The former 'Suits' actress seemed to be using the gesturing tool as a directional tool, at one point guiding Harry to address fans waiting in the rain.
"This is a parental, partially nurturing gesture that also implies a desire to control or steer," body language expert Judi James said. "In politics, it is known as the 'Pat of Power', where the one doing the patting raises their status by lowering the other."
It is a gesture that has been favored by Meghan for a long time. She also used it as a sign of maternal approval when she patted her husband's back as he carried baby Archie to his first appearance in front of the cameras in May 2019.
Another hand gesture that Meghan has relied upon quite a bit was the double handclasp. Instead of holding just his hand or arm, Meghan would often do both.
"It adds proximity to a hand-hold and suggests she is still besotted and in the romantic stages of love," James said. "Meghan doubles the closeness signals by implying ownership, as well as ensuring she is uppermost in Harry's mind."
Lastly, there are times when Meghan would reach out and grab Harry's upper arm, which is often used as a stalling gesture, almost like a mother stopping her child running off. "It's a gentle signal of 'Wait!' when Meghan wants to chat longer to a host, or even to join in a conversation Harry is having," Judi said.
"Grasping his bicep can also seem flattering rather than bossy."