Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared to develop ‘a new gesture of togetherness’ as they held each other’s wrists during their visit to Nigeria, a body language expert says

The Sussexes visit the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle developed “a new gesture of togetherness” on their visit to Nigeria as they were seen holding each other’s wrists on two separate occasions, a body language expert has said.

Meghan used the gesture “like a fond mum steering her child”, but the Duke of Sussex appeared to be using it “a little awkwardly” as though he was “presenting his beautiful wife to the people of Nigeria”, said Judi James. During their visit, the couple showed “a need for flexibility” in their body language which was far from “all the usual royal entourage”, the expert added.

Judi said the Duchess of Sussex sported “a gracious smile” and had a “very regal” posture, while Harry stepped in to greet people at the prestigious Lagos Polo Club where the couple watched a polo match. Meghan looked radiant in a beige maxi dress with floral patterns, featuring a plunging neckline, ruched waistline, and matching scarf.

The gesture looked ‘awkward’, said Judi James (Image: Sussex5525/Twitter)

Harry and Meghan at the Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, Nigeria (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

Harry matched his wife’s elegant look by wearing an all-black suit with a grey button-down shirt. They both wore sunglasses for the outdoor event. Analysing the Sussexes’ body language, Ms James said Harry appeared to be “steering” his wife “to take and enjoy the spotlight” which shows how “precious” Meghan is to him.

The expert told The Mirror : “Both Harry and Meghan unveiled a new gesture of togetherness on this visit to Nigeria with this wrist-hold ritual. Meghan used it on Harry like a fond mom steering her child the day before and here Harry is using it a little awkwardly as though presenting his beautiful wife to the people of Nigeria.

‌”Otherwise, the couple are still using their clasped hands, as their walk from the car proved, but without all the usual royal entourage to ensure everything goes smoothly, there seems to be a need for flexibility and some fluctuating or more spontaneous choreography. Meghan’s response seems to be to sport a gracious smile and a very regal, upright back while Harry steps in first with the greeting rituals before introducing her.

Harry and Meghan at the State Governor House in Lagos (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“But then Meghan seems to be left standing as he chats and there appears to be a small touch on the arm as a result. She is standing in front of Harry at the function though and his gesture makes it look almost as though he is steering her to take and enjoy the spotlight, using a wrist-touch ritual to suggest she is very precious to him.”

During the visit, Meghan said ” it was a complete blessing ” to visit Nigeria after finding out about her link to the West African country. The Sussexes completed their three-day tour of the country, after visiting schools and taking part in events to promote Harry’s Invictus Games.

As they exited one public appearance, they were stopped by a journalist who asked them about their visit as they prepared to head home to California. “A complete blessing. Thank you!” Meghan said, smiling, as Harry chimed in: “We had a wonderful time. Thank you very much… the hospitality has been fantastic, thank you.”

During their private visit, which many fans have compared to an unofficial royal tour, Meghan spoke at length about discovering she had an important link to the West African country. Back in 2022, the Duchess revealed during an episode of her short-lived Archetypes podcast that DNA tests had shown she is 43 per cent Nigerian, and while speaking at an event in the country’s capital of Abuja, Meghan said it was “humbling” to learn about her heritage.