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A body language expert has analyzed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent appearance at a Los Angeles fire evacuation center, describing them as embodying an “American version of the royals” during their humanitarian visit.
The couple made their way to the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday to support those displaced by the Eaton fire in Altadena. Their visit followed their earlier financial contributions through their Archewell Foundation, and they brought additional support in the form of clothing, children’s necessities, and other vital supplies.
Renowned body language expert Judi James provided insight into their demeanor during the visit. “Meghan is doing some full body hugs here in a ritual of consoling and her facial expression mirrors the sadness the people she’s meeting must be feeling,” James told the Mirror.
"The Duke and Duchess of Disaster Tourism". š³
I think Megan and Harry will be looking for a new home too.
They turned up with their own film crew for Megan to do some Jacinda-style hugging and victims of the fire are not thrilled.https://t.co/gQ4ahkxF2Q
— 0pinionistNZ (@OpinionistNZ) January 13, 2025
“Coming on top of some more practical help from the couple there’s a feeling they’re appearing like the US version of our royals.”
During their time at the center, the former royal couple was observed sharing embraces with numerous affected families and individuals. James noted that these compassionate gestures are characteristic of the pair’s public interactions.
“This seems to have been an immersive experience for Meghan and Harry although, given their signature body language brand, it was always going to be the ‘consoling’ hugs that would provide the most camera-worthy moments,” she explained to the outlet.
“For Harry it will be an urge that is in his DNA as a royal, with attending the location of a disaster and tragedy and just being visible, being part of the job.”
“He seems to be in that mode here, listening to stories and experiences to hopefully reassure and raise morale, but then there is the extra role of some hands-on hugging that has been added to the repertoire more recently,” James continued.
If you're homeless from the LA fires, have no fear! Meghan Markle and her servant Harry are here to give you a hug and send you on your way šš»
— š”š¶š¼šµ šš²šæš“ ā ā”ļø (@NiohBerg) January 12, 2025
In her analysis for the Daily Mail, James observed Harry matching his wife’s approachable demeanor. She particularly noted Meghan’s practical involvement, stating, “We can see Meghan in particular in two body language modes and functions here: firstly what would be termed ‘getting stuck in,’ physically helping out with food distribution and doing so in a way that seems to have rendered herself incognito.”
“The ‘head-down’ body language from Meghan here looks practical rather than performative, implying that the job of distribution is better achieved without a media scrum or being made to stop and talk.”
Beyond their public appearance, the Sussexes have extended their support by welcoming displaced friends into their $29 million Montecito residence. Sources close to the couple informed The Post that they plan to maintain their involvement in recovery efforts through additional community visits.