Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 4, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan's 'Indestructible Perma-Smile': A Royal Power Play?

At the Sussexes' final engagement as working royals, Meghan, who had joined the Firm less than two years prior, donned an 'indestructible perma-smile' that almost never wavered, according to a body language expert

The Royal Rift: A Tense and Emotional Final Farewell

In a shocking display of tension and animosity, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, and Prince William were spotted together for what would be their last joint royal engagement as working members of the British monarchy. The March 9, 2020 Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey marked a poignant moment in history, with the once-cheery trio now visibly strained.

Meanwhile, Meghan, who had only joined the Royal Family less than two years prior, was her usual radiant self, donning an "indestructible perma-smile" that seemed almost impossible to crack. According to body language expert Judi James, this unwavering smile was a deliberate attempt by Meghan to project strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, body language expert Judi James described Harry as looking, at times, 'haunted-looking' and 'in need of support as he seemed to suddenly realise that the line of backs of heads in front of him was the family he was saying goodbye to'

As the service began, Harry appeared visibly anxious, with his signature self-soothing gestures and jacket touch rituals on full display. In contrast, Meghan seemed to draw on her inner reserves of energy and enthusiasm, chatting animatedly with her husband before sharing a mutual grin. This lighthearted exchange was starkly at odds with the stony-faced expressions of Kate Middleton and Prince William.

The Royal Rift: A Family in Crisis

As we examine the body language and interactions between the Royal Family members during this final farewell, it becomes clear that something has gone terribly wrong. According to James, Meghan's beaming smile was a deliberate attempt to prove her worth as a member of the Royal Family. "Perma-smiling under pressure is a key skill that the late Queen, Queen's mother, and Kate always excelled at," she notes.

Ms James notes that in one particularly 'tragic body language gesture', the Royal brothers, Harry and William, are 'sitting in identical poses'. Described as 'subliminal mirroring', Ms James shares that the heartbreaking comparison serves as a devastating reminder of their former brotherly 'double act'

Meghan's acting background and years of TV experience have undoubtedly equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate this treacherous landscape. However, it remains unclear whether these efforts were enough to salvage the already-deteriorating relationships within the Royal Family.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry appears lost and struggling to cope with the situation. His haunted expression and need for support are palpable, even as he attempts to project a positive image. As James astutely observes, "When Harry arrived, the minute he and Meghan had to drop hands, he immediately reached for his wedding ring which is a self-comfort."

In stark contrast, Kate Middleton seems eerily detached from the proceedings, her tightly-clasped pose and unsmiling expression hinting at inner stress. Her body language expert notes that this "tension displayed in her slightly hunched and tightly-clasped pose" speaks volumes about her true feelings.

In contrast to a beaming Meghan, Ms James notes that the occasion looked to be 'much more painful for both Harry and the front-row royals'. She added: 'While the other royals sat stony-faced and still, Meghan was animated and chatty with Harry'

A Royal Reconciliation?

As we delve deeper into the events leading up to this final engagement, it becomes clear that Prince William had attempted to extend a gesture of peace to his brother Harry at his last public outing. According to royal expert Robert Lacey's book "Battle of the Brothers," William had tried to include Harry and Meghan in the "Procession of The Queen" but was thwarted by protocol.

In a shocking move, only the most senior members of the Royal Family were allowed to participate, with Harry and Meghan relegated to the sidelines. This snub was reportedly met with fury from Prince Harry, who was already reeling from being shunted aside on this final appearance.

Ms James explains that Meghan's 'smile and wave' technique appears to have a mere short-term impact on Harry, noting that 'every time she looked away, Harry seemed to struggle'

Fearing another public confrontation, William and Kate stepped in at the last moment to offer a small but sensitive gesture of peace. However, as James notes, "It was not exactly the warm reunion we were hoping for."

A Divided Family

As the service came to a close, it became clear that the once-united Royal Family is now irreparably divided. The tension between Harry and his brother William was palpable, with each trying to assert their dominance in the wake of this impending transition.

While both Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, then the Countess of Wessex, appeared to play the signature role of 'royal-row buffers', appearing both relaxed and chatty, Ms James said that William and Kate appeared to be both 'saddened and even stricken'

In a poignant moment captured by lip reader Jeremy Freeman, we see Prince William's curt "Hello, Harry" greeting being met with a more effusive welcome from Meghan, who smiled warmly at her sister-in-law Kate and extended a gentle hello to William. However, it seems clear that this olive branch is too little, too late.

As the Royal Family navigates these treacherous waters, one thing is certain: nothing will ever be the same again. The final farewell marked a poignant moment in history, with each member of the family struggling to come to terms with their new roles and relationships within the monarchy.

A New Chapter

Writing in his book 'Battle of the Brothers', royal expert Robert Lacey revealed that prior to the frosty moment, William had attempted to extend 'a small but sensitive gesture of peace' to  Harry at his last public outing

In the aftermath of this tumultuous event, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry would go on to announce their decision to step back from senior Royal duties. This move marked a seismic shift in the history of the British monarchy, one that would leave behind a trail of heartbreak, tension, and ultimately, change.

As we look back on this final farewell, it's clear that nothing will ever be the same again for the Royal Family. The seeds of discord sown during this tense engagement have already begun to bear fruit, with each member struggling to come to terms with their new roles within the monarchy.

Sources:

  • Judi James, Body Language Expert (The Scholarly Note)
  • Jeremy Freeman, Lip Reader (The Scholarly Note)
  • Robert Lacey, Author of "Battle of the Brothers" (The Scholarly Note)