Meghan Markle, caught in another embarrassing moment at a public appearance in New York City.
However, as a man approached to shake Prince Harry’s hand, Markle instinctively stepped forward and embraced him instead.
Judi James, a body language expert interviewed by The Mirror, described this encounter as a “choreography fail” and noted that the Sussexes have had similar incidents during their public engagements.
According to James, it is not easy for royals to get the intricate choreography right in public, and it requires a considerable amount of effort to make appearances appear seamless, as the royal family does.
Now that Harry and Meghan have transitioned into non-royal status, they seem to be more prone to these small mishaps.
In this particular instance, Meghan is seen hugging a woman before the man attempts to shake Harry’s hand.
However, Meghan spontaneously steps forward for a hug at the same time, causing Harry to retract his hand awkwardly.
The resulting truncated gesture, according to James, highlights Harry’s adjustment to his new role, as he was accustomed to more formal protocols as a member of the royal family. In his attempt to salvage the encounter, Harry is observed rubbing his nose, ultimately looking a bit uncomfortable throughout the interaction.
This incident adds to a growing list of awkward moments for Meghan Markle, who has faced intense scrutiny since she joined the royal family.
As a public figure, navigating the spotlight can be challenging, and minor missteps can quickly become headline news. With the Sussexes now embracing their independent ventures, it remains to be seen how they will navigate their public engagements moving forward.