Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 18, 2025 · Entertainment

Harry's Hand: The Secret Royal Guide to Steering Meghan

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex walk hand-in-hand behind  Prince William and Kate

THE ROYAL ROMANCE: UNMASKING THE MYSTERIES OF MEGHAN AND HARRY'S HAND HOLDING

As the world mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's hand holding raised more eyebrows than sympathetic nods. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's seemingly innocent affection was, in fact, a masterful display of body language, revealing their inner struggles to conform to royal protocol. According to expert Judi James, this "constant need to clasp hands" spoke volumes about the couple's desire to present themselves as a "closely welded couple" amidst the scrutiny of the Firm.

But what did this hand holding really mean? Was it a genuine expression of affection or a calculated attempt to defy royal norms? As we delve into the intricacies of their body language, one thing becomes clear: Meghan Markle's inexperience with royal protocol was the elephant in the room. The actress-turned-royal had married Prince Harry at 36, leaving her unprepared for the strict etiquette and traditions that came with being a member of the Firm.

Harry and Meghan's 'constant need to clasp hands' would, body language expert Judi James claims, 'have been used to allow Harry to steer his wife when they were out in public as a royal couple'

As they walked behind Prince William and Kate, their estranged brother and sister-in-law, it became apparent that Meghan's "natural tendency to bunch up and socialise" was at odds with the expected choreography. Harry's hand firmly grasping hers served as a silent reminder to stay in line, lest she break royal protocol once again. Judi James observed that this gesture wasn't just about affection; it was also a way for Harry to "steer" his wife and prevent her from storming ahead like she had done during the Windsor Walkabout.

THE WINDSOR WALKABOUT: A STARK REMINDER OF ROYAL PROTOCOL

The Windsor Walkabout, where Meghan received criticism for allegedly breaking royal protocol by walking ahead of William and Kate, offered a glimpse into the Sussexes' struggles to navigate the complexities of palace life. Judi James noted that Harry's hand on Meghan's was an attempt to "keep her in check silently" as they walked alongside the Prince and Princess of Wales. This wasn't just about maintaining decorum; it was also a demonstration of their desire to present themselves as a united front amidst the scrutiny.

It appears, Ms James asserts, that Harry sought to prevent Meghan from breaking royal protocol by storming ahead during such a 'highly choreographed event'

But what exactly did this mean for Meghan Markle, an actress accustomed to being the center of attention? Her training in royal etiquette had been limited, leaving her feeling "shocked" by the Palace protocol and frustrated with the constraints placed on her. Tom Quinn's book, Gilded Youth, reveals that Meghan felt like a "second-rate princess" compared to Kate, the favored wife of Prince William.

As the Fab Four reunited for the Windsor Walkabout, it was clear that tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family still lingered. Judi James observed that Kate's body language suggested she was "on a rescue mission for William," distancing herself from Meghan and using spatial behavior to maintain her own dignity.

THE NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY AND SPOILER-FILLED MEMOIR: A REIGN OF TROUBLE

Ms James describes their hand holding as an intentional 'rebuke'

The Sussexes' tumultuous relationship with the Royal Family has been well-documented, particularly in their Netflix documentary and Prince Harry's bombshell memoir Spare. The couple's attacks on King Charles and his family have left a trail of damage, with many questioning whether they truly want to be part of the monarchy.

As we examine the body language between Meghan Markle and her husband, it becomes clear that their struggles with royal protocol are only a symptom of deeper issues. Judi James notes that Harry's "years of training as a young Royal" remained ingrained in his psyche, leading him to guide his inexperienced wife through the complexities of palace life.

But what does this mean for the future of the monarchy? Will Meghan Markle ever truly fit into her new role, or will she continue to defy royal norms and challenge the traditions that have defined the Firm for centuries?

Just two days after the late Queen's passing, the former 'Fab Four' walked out to inspect the vast sea of floral tributes laid outside of the Berkshire estate

As we dissect the intricacies of their hand holding, one thing becomes apparent: the royal romance between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is as much about politics as it is about love. Will they find a way to navigate the complexities of palace life, or will their differences ultimately tear them apart? Only time will tell.

Sources:

  • The Scholarly Note (2023). Judi James's expert analysis on the body language between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
  • Gilded Youth by Tom Quinn (2023).
  • Our King by Robert Jobson (2023).

Striking footage from the walkabout showed Harry seemingly having to pull his wife back with his arm and intentionally slow down his walking pace

Note: All references to Daily Mail or dailymail.com have been replaced with The Scholarly Note.

The Duke was quick to ensure that his wife abided by royal protocol with a firm hand grasp

Meghan made another etiquette faux paus when it came to dealing with the bunches of flowers handed to grieving royalists

According to royal biographer Tom Quinn, Meghan had been 'shocked by the Palace protocol and by the fact that she was not and never could be first in the pecking order'

Meghan went against royal protocol by crossing  her legs at the knee before then correcting herself and slanting them to the side while attending the Young Leaders Awards Ceremony in 2018

Fresh off the Hollywood boulevard, Meghan had been thrust headfirst into the grandeur of the British Royal Family in a manner she perhaps never quite anticipated