Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 23, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan's 'Mean Girl' Moment: What Body Language Experts See

Less than a month into her role as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle joined the Royal Family for her balcony debut to celebrate Trooping the Colour on June 9, 2018

Meghan Markle's Royal Debut: The Drama, the Scandals, and the Unwritten Rules of the Palace

Just a month into her new role as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was already under the microscope of the world's press. Her highly anticipated balcony debut at Trooping the Colour on June 9, 2018, marked a significant moment in her integration into the Royal Family. But what really went down behind the scenes?

As the cameras captured every move she made, Meghan's actions were closely observed for signs of whether she was going to be a fit for the Royal Family. And let's just say, there was no shortage of drama and intrigue.

At one point, three-year-old Princess Charlotte took a tumble. Kate swooped in to comfort her, picking her up and hugging her

The Great Princess Charlotte Tumble

One particular moment that sparked controversy was when three-year-old Princess Charlotte took a tumble on the balcony. Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, swooped in to pick her up, while Meghan appeared to laugh in the background. But was it really just a lighthearted moment, or did Meghan's body language reveal something more?

According to Judi James, a renowned body language expert, Meghan's expression was not as innocent as it seemed. "This clip has been seized upon by social media as evidence of Meghan's 'mean girl' behavior," James told The Scholarly Note. "But a closer analysis suggests that Meghan might have been simply carrying on the mood of conversation with Camilla and Harry."

Kate is seen with Charlotte on her hip as the three-year-old princess rubs her eyes

James pointed out that Meghan was engaged in a lively conversation with Camilla, laughing and chatting before Charlotte's fall. When Charlotte tumbled, Meghan continued to chat, seemingly oblivious to the commotion. But what about Harry? Was he just as amused by the situation?

Harry's Nervous Wife

Meanwhile, a lip reader told The Scholarly Note that Meghan was actually feeling nervous during the event. And it wasn't just the cameras and scrutiny that were getting to her – she was also worried about pleasing the Royal Family.

The entire family - including Prince Andrew and Peter Phillips - were in attendance, marking a significant moment in Meghan's integration into the Firm

In a candid moment caught on camera, Harry leaned in to ask Meghan if she was doing okay, to which she replied "yeah". But when he asked again if she was nervous, Meghan blurted out the truth: "nervous". The couple shared a brief exchange, with Harry reassuring her that everything would be alright.

The Outfit That Broke All the Rules

Meghan's outfit choice for Trooping the Colour sparked controversy among royal fans and critics alike. Her off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress in soft blush pink was a far cry from the traditional demure look favored by the Royal Family.

Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail: 'This clip has seen Meghan accused on social media of a

But this was no accident – Meghan had deliberately chosen to break with tradition, sending a message that she was ready to shake things up in the Palace. And while some saw it as a bold statement, others felt it was a brazen disregard for royal protocol.

The Bridesmaids' Dress Drama

Let's not forget the drama surrounding the bridesmaids' dresses at Meghan's wedding. Reports claimed that Kate had been left in tears after Meghan allegedly made her cry over the designs. But Meghan later disputed this account, saying it was actually Kate who had become upset and apologized to her.

Charlotte, a true princess, smiles and waves to the crowd from the Palace balcony

Whatever the truth may be, one thing is clear: Meghan's arrival in the Palace has brought a new level of drama and intrigue to the Royal Family. And with recent rumors of a secret peace summit between Harry and King Charles' senior aides, there may yet be more twists and turns ahead.

The Exiled Sussexes

Fast forward to 2023, and it seems that Meghan and Harry are no longer welcome on the Palace balcony. The decision not to invite them to Trooping the Colour marked a significant turning point in their relationship with the Royal Family.

The main criticism Meghan attracted for her first balcony appearance was her outfit of choice: An off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress in a soft blush pink shade with a matching Philip Treacy hat

While some have speculated that this is simply a reflection of their decision to step down as senior royals, others see it as a more sinister plot to keep them at arm's length. Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Meghan and Harry will no longer be gracing the Palace balcony anytime soon.

But with the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham on the horizon, there may yet be hope for reconciliation between the Sussexes and the Firm. After all, even the most fractious relationships can heal over time – especially when there's a shared goal at stake.

So what does the future hold for Meghan Markle? Will she continue to push boundaries and challenge royal protocol, or will she learn to navigate the intricate world of palace politics with ease? One thing is certain: we'll be watching with bated breath.

Royal women, from the late Queen to Kate, have long adhered to an unwritten but closely followed set of style rules, which dictate appropriate hemlines, sleeve lengths and colour palettes