Chaumont Citizen
Chaumont Citizen
min read · September 20, 2025 · Entertainment

From Trophy Wife to Trophy Husband: Meghan Markle's Body Language Evolution

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'fairytale' nuptials in May 2018, watched by nearly two billion people worldwide, featured several departures from royal tradition

Meghan Markle's Body Language Transformation: From Trophy Wife to Queen Bee

In a shocking revelation, body language expert Judi James has dissected Meghan Markle's transformation from a "passive trophy wife" in her first marriage to a confident and dominant partner in her second marriage to Prince Harry. The Duchess of Sussex's Instagram page recently celebrated the return of her "beau," Harry, with two glasses of wine, marking their sixth wedding anniversary.

Meghan's past marriage to producer Trevor Engelson in 2013 was marked by a "total emotional re-think" and a desire for a body language reset. Judi claims that Meghan's poses with Trevor suggest she saw herself as a "passive trophy wife," while Trevor appeared to be the main man and most important character in group photos.

Meghan was married to producer Trevor Engelson for two years before filing for divorce in 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. They are pictured in 2011 at an awards dinner

However, with Harry, the tables have turned. Judi notes that Meghan's attachment rituals with Harry are "industrial-strength," suggesting she is now a keeper and has formed a confident, life-long partnership. In contrast to her poses with Trevor, which seemed to come straight from the "Deal or No Deal playbook," Meghan's body language with Harry is more authentic and spontaneous.

When it comes to group photos, Meghan used to be relegated to the periphery, but now she takes center stage alongside Harry. Judi points out that in a recent photo of the couple at the Times 100 event, Meghan walks ahead of Harry, while he runs around to offer help, likening him to a member of security.

Meghan's marriage to Trevor threw up red flags about her potential and power dynamic. Judi notes that Trevor was often the central figure in their social groups, with Meghan appearing detached and not easily bonding with his friends. This is in stark contrast to Harry, who seems to be perfectly content with Meghan taking charge.

The Duchess of Sussex commemorated the Duke's return to Montecito with a post on the As Ever social media page, calling him her 'beau'

In a revealing analysis of photos from Meghan's past marriage, Judi reveals that Trevor's smile is more of an effort rather than authentic joy or happiness. His chest puffed out and feet splayed suggest alpha power, while his hand thrust into his pocket appears to be a bid for attention.

Meghan's poses with Trevor, on the other hand, are classic beauty pageant material, suggesting she was suppressing her authentic personality. Her smile is pure beauty queen, but lacks synchronicity with Trevor's body language, hinting at physical attraction rather than emotional and intellectual connection.

However, with Harry, Meghan exudes confidence and dominance. Judi notes that in a recent photo of the couple, Meghan uses two hands to attach to Harry's arm and hand, showing she will not be relegated to the periphery anytime soon. Her body language signals are now often about power and leadership, rather than just her looks.

Commenting on the above photo from July 2024, Judi wrote: 'If she was once the trophy wife, she now seems to display Harry and boast about him like the trophy husband'

Meghan's transformation from a passive trophy wife to a confident queen bee is nothing short of remarkable. Judi suggests that Meghan has finally achieved her full personal potential with Harry, who seems perfectly content with being the secondary star in their relationship.

As we take a closer look at the photos from Meghan's past and present marriages, one thing becomes clear: she has come out on top, with a newfound confidence and sense of self-worth. But what does this mean for her marriage to Prince Harry? Only time will tell, but it's safe to say that Meghan is no longer just a trophy wife – she's the star of the show.

Sources:

In photos with Harry, Judi commented that Meghan makes herself very integral to the poses thought, nestling in close and flattering Harry. Pictured: Meghan, Harry and Serena Williams at a Hollywood red carpet event in 2024

  • Judi James' analysis in an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Photos and information courtesy of Meghan Markle's Instagram page

Referring to the above picture of Meghan and Trevor at a Beverly Hills awards dinner in 2011, Judi said: 'Trevor's smile involves a pulling up of the top lip to reveal his upper teeth, which suggests effort rather than authentic joy or happiness'

Meghan and Trevor are pictured in 2006. Meghan's ‘complimentary’ pose is 'classic beauty pageant,' according to Judi James

Referencing the above picture from 2011, Judi said: 'It’s Trevor in the middle of the action, wearing a very triumphant, self-satisfied social smile, while Meghan has to lean into the shot from the outer edge to pose with a female friend rather than joining her husband-to-be'

'Sitting in seats in the audience, we can see Meghan sitting to the front of the photo with her hand on Harry’s thigh in a gesture of ownership,' the body language expert told Daily Mail

In the above photo from the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games, Judi points out that Meghan is not only kissing Harry on the lips in the middle of a large audience but she also holds his face to direct the kiss

Judi said: 'Meghan’s power signals are now often showing her in the role of star and leader.' The Sussexes are pictured in 2024 in Colombia

Judi said: 'At the Times 100 event, Meghan is no longer weakly attached to an alpha-posing husband as she was with Trevor

The body language expert wrote: 'Now she appears as a woman totally confident in her own power role, even walking ahead at this event while Harry ran around the car to offer help, more like a member of security'