An awkward royal moment at the 2025 Time100 Summit in New York City is stirring headlines after Meghan Markle appeared to snub Prince Harry’s attempt to hold hands—a subtle gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by royal watchers and body language experts alike.
🎥 The Moment: Meghan Embraces, Harry Waits
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Prince Harry reached out to hold Meghan’s hand. But Meghan, fully engaged in greeting a woman with a warm embrace, seemed unaware or uninterested in his gesture. For a few seconds, Harry stood solo—adjusting his jacket, smiling awkwardly, and waiting his turn.
“Whether Harry’s leading or lurking here, he appears in the role of ‘spare,’ with awkward body language poses,” said Judi James, body language expert, in an interview with the Daily Mail.
👑 Spotlight on Meghan, Shadow on Harry?
James also described Meghan’s demeanor as radiating “celebrity wilt”—an effortless confidence often seen in high-profile stars. Her poised arms and polished engagement with the crowd stood in contrast to Harry’s more reserved, subdued posture.
“Meghan works the cameras. Harry waits,” James remarked, drawing attention to the subtle but growing dynamic between the couple’s public personas.
😅 All Smiles on Stage
Despite the buzz, Meghan later addressed the audience with her usual charisma. She shared that she was “the happiest she’s ever been,” praising her family life with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie (5) and Princess Lilibet (3).
She even joked about rushing home to witness Archie’s milestone—his first baby tooth falling out—a sweet anecdote that contrasted with the earlier awkwardness.
🚔 A Royal Power Couple Under Scrutiny
Arriving with a motorcade and heavy security, the Sussexes made a rare high-profile appearance. But as has become common, their interactions were dissected frame-by-frame by press and fans alike.
Their strained relationship with the British royal family only fuels the public’s curiosity, making moments like these viral within minutes.
💬 Public Reaction
Social media reactions ranged from sympathy for Harry to sharp critiques of Meghan’s “disregard” for her husband’s gesture. But others defended the Duchess, suggesting the moment was simply a misread, not a snub.
🧠 Final Thought
Whether it was an innocent misstep or a glimpse into deeper dynamics, the “hand-holding hang” has reignited interest in the Sussexes’ evolving public image. As always, in the world of modern royalty, even the smallest gestures can speak volumes.
