Although Meghan Markle often displays a great deal of confidence, one scene in hers and Prince Harry's new Netflix docuseries shows her sense of embarrassment when she first met Prince William and Princess Kate.
It sounds like she and Prince Harry were having the then-Cambridges over for dinner, and Meghan welcomed them in ripped jeans and barefoot, and went to embrace them in a big California-style hug.
She recalled, "I was a hugger, I've always been a hugger, I didn't realize that that was really jarring for a lot of Brits," the implication being that William and Catherine didn't exactly return her affectionate welcome.
Here, body language expert Darren Stanton deciphers what might have happened during that interaction.
"Meghan is extremely kinesthetic, which means that she is a very tactile person who likes to touch," Stanton tells Marie Claire on behalf of Betfair Casino.
"However, this is clearly not the case with a lot of people in life.
"When she was speaking about meeting Prince William and Kate Middleton for the first time, she obviously felt it was appropriate to hug.
"It was clear from William and Kate’s response that they still had to get to know her a little before that could happen."
Stanton doesn't think William and Kate are stand-offish people, however. He says, "From previous analysis that I have done on Prince William and Kate, they also come across as kinesthetic people, but they can be guarded before deciding they want to get close and open up to someone, like most people."
Stanton adds, "As Meghan was talking about the moment, I noticed her eyebrows came up and her face dropped. This was a combination of the emotions of feeling embarrassed and shame. When she was repeating the memory about the meeting, her unconscious mind was fighting off the same feelings that she had back then."
Meeting the in-laws is never easy, but add to that the fact that your partner's relatives are royals and it must be very tricky to navigate indeed.
-
Princess Diana's Niece Amelia Spencer Reveals Secret Fifth Bridal OutfitRoyal (adjacent) wedding goals, period.
-
Meet the Model-Off-Duty Hairstyle That Doubles as a Faux Face LiftJawline? Snatched.
-
Hailey Bieber's Sugar Cookie Pedicure Is Almost Too SweetThe beauty founder is tapping back into a milky white nail trend.
-
How Meghan Markle Included a Sentimental Nod to Prince Harry—and Queen Elizabeth—in the Logo for As EverThe design is full of meaning.
-
All the Details on Princess Kate and Prince William's Seriously Luxe Mustique VacationFrom a $42k villa with a private butler to a celebrity-fave bar, the Waleses are enjoying some fun in the sun.
-
Meghan Markle Launches Her 'As Ever' Era in a White Button-Down Shirt and Classic JeansThe big announcement was a return to basics.
-
How Meghan Markle Included Princess Lilibet—and Their Stunning Backyard—in Her New Brand, As EverThe rarely-seen toddler shared in the excitement for her mom's As Ever brand launch announcement.
-
The Deeper Meaning Behind Meghan Markle's Reimagined Brand, As Ever"This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language," the Duchess of Sussex wrote on Instagram.
-
Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Her Friend's Late Son and His Twin With a Touching New Heart NecklaceShe wore the gorgeous red pendant in the announcement video for her new brand, As Ever.
-
Princess Kate "Put Her Foot Down" and Refused to Let George, Charlotte, and Louis Take Part in "Blooding" TraditionThe Princess of Wales is raising her kids on her own terms.
-
Kate Middleton Trades Her Red Carpet BAFTAs Gown for a Luxe Beach Vacation BikiniShe's skipping the awards ceremony for a private island loved by celebs.
