Body-language analysis revisits the Sussexes’ last festive appearance with the family at Sandringham
It was 2018, and what should have been a joyful milestone turned into a quietly tense farewell. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent Christmas at Sandringham for the first time as a married couple. It would also be their last.
According to body-language expert Judi James, cracks were already visible during the family’s traditional walk to St Magdalene’s Church. Reviewing footage from the day, she says Harry appeared isolated and unsettled among his relatives.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, James noted that Harry briefly looked towards his father with what seemed like an affectionate smile. But she added that his posture, particularly the way he clutched his jacket, suggested discomfort and possible feelings of rejection.
Meghan, she said, appeared to step in, subtly guiding her husband away from what she described as an awkward moment. The hand placement was not simply affectionate, James argued, but purposeful, suggesting Meghan was taking control of the situation and steering Harry clear.
The appearance came amid reported pressure on senior royals to present a united front in public, even when tensions existed behind the scenes. Royal author Tom Bower has previously claimed disagreements were expected to remain firmly out of view.
Just two years after that Christmas, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from royal duties, bringing an end to moments like the one that played out quietly at Sandringham.
