Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their long-awaited return to the spotlight, marking their first joint interview in three years.
Their appearance on CBS’s “Sunday Morning” was meant to spotlight a new initiative from their Archewell Foundation—The Parents Network—a project aimed at supporting parents whose children have been victims of online bullying.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation – Save 10% With Code RVM10
However, what truly captured the public’s attention wasn’t the content of their conversation, but rather Meghan Markle’s body language toward her husband, which has sparked a whirlwind of speculation and debate.
The interview, conducted by veteran journalist Jane Pauley, was intended to focus on the critical issues surrounding mental health and online safety, particularly for young people.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
The Parents Network, the brainchild of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, was unveiled as a new cornerstone of their ongoing efforts to combat the devastating effects of cyberbullying.
The initiative provides resources, support, and a sense of community for parents dealing with the harrowing aftermath of online bullying, often linked to tragic outcomes such as suicide.
However, as the conversation delved deeper into personal territory, particularly Meghan’s own experiences with mental health, it was her interaction with Prince Harry that drew the most scrutiny.
Social media users and royal commentators alike have been dissecting every gesture, every look, and every word exchanged between the couple during the interview, leading to a flurry of speculation about the state of their relationship.
One moment that has been widely analyzed is when Pauley brought up Meghan’s previous admission of contemplating suicide during her time as a senior member of the royal family. This was a deeply personal and painful revelation that Meghan had first shared in her bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
As Pauley approached the subject, Meghan was seen placing her hand on Prince Harry’s knee, a gesture that was both tender and, to some, indicative of her need to assert control over the conversation.
The gesture did not go unnoticed by Pauley, who commented on it directly. “I see you touch your husband’s hand in just the way I knew that you would be looking after each other,” she remarked, acknowledging the couple’s deep connection but also hinting at Meghan’s discomfort with the direction of the conversation.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
Meghan responded with a measured reply, stating, “I understand why you are, though. I wasn’t expecting it, but I understand why you are. Because there is a through-line, I think.”
While Meghan’s words were filled with empathy and reflection, emphasizing the importance of being open about personal pain and trauma, her body language conveyed a different message to some observers. Royal experts and social media users have pointed out that Meghan’s demeanor throughout the interview was a mix of warmth and reserve, particularly in her interactions with Prince Harry.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
In several key moments, Meghan’s expression and posture were described as “icy” and “controlling” by critics. One royal expert noted that Meghan displayed what they referred to as an “icy, wifely stare” toward Prince Harry, particularly when he spoke on camera.
This stare, according to the expert, was a subtle yet clear message for him to “keep it short”—a signal that many husbands might recognize as a warning to “watch what you are saying.”
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
In one photograph from the interview, Meghan’s body is slightly angled toward Harry, her expression calm but serious, her eyes locked on her husband with a penetrating gaze. The tension around her eyes and mouth is subtle but noticeable, suggesting an underlying intensity in her emotions.
Another image captures Meghan brushing her hair back with one hand, her expression neutral but her eyes focused intently on Harry. These moments have fueled speculation that Meghan may have been silently communicating her disapproval or frustration with what was being said.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
The interpretation of these gestures has been divisive. Supporters of Meghan argue that her actions reflect a deep concern for her husband and a desire to protect him during a difficult conversation. They view her touch on his knee as a comforting gesture, a way to offer support in a moment of vulnerability. However, critics see it differently.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
Some have labeled her behavior as controlling, with one social media user remarking, “I hate that claw on the knee. She does it all the time. It makes her look so controlling and not comforting. He is a grown man, he should be able to speak his mind without her constantly touching him. Makes him look weak.”
This criticism taps into a broader narrative that has followed Meghan since her marriage to Prince Harry—a narrative that paints her as domineering and overly controlling in her relationship with the Duke.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
The notion that Meghan is somehow manipulating or overpowering Harry has been a persistent theme in the media’s coverage of the couple, often overshadowing their charitable work and the causes they champion.
The interview also highlighted the couple’s shared concerns about the dangers of the digital world, particularly for their own young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. “Our kids are young—they’re 3 and 5. They’re amazing,” Meghan said, speaking tenderly about their children.
But her tone shifted to one of urgency as she and Harry discussed the need for parents to be vigilant in safeguarding their children from online harm. “At this point, we’ve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder,” Harry added, underscoring the severity of the issue.
In the aftermath of the interview, royal experts and social media users have continued to dissect every aspect of Meghan’s behavior.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
Some have praised her for her poise and composure in discussing such a sensitive topic, while others have criticized her for what they perceive as a cold and controlling demeanor.
The debate over Meghan’s body language has reignited discussions about the public’s perception of the Duchess and the persistent scrutiny she faces.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
At its core, this controversy highlights the intense pressure that comes with being in the public eye, particularly for members of the royal family.
Every gesture, every look, and every word is subject to endless analysis and interpretation, often in ways that can be both unfair and damaging.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
For Meghan Markle, this latest round of scrutiny is yet another reminder of the challenges she faces as she navigates life under the microscope.
As the couple continues their work with The Parents Network and other initiatives through their Archewell Foundation, it remains to be seen how this latest controversy will impact their public image.
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Sunday
What is clear, however, is that Meghan and Harry are committed to their mission of advocating for mental health and online safety, even as they continue to navigate the complexities of their relationship and the public’s perception of it.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Read the full article here