Body Language Expert Analyzes Prince Harry’s Demeanor at Invictus Games Without Meghan Markle

James speculated that without his wife around, Prince Harry might not feel as pressured to perform flawlessly. When a parent or close partner is present, many people find it challenging to finish a task or give a speech because their opinions and reactions can take centre stage.

During the closing ceremony, a second body language expert examined yet another significant moment. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada personally praised the British royal as he took the stage to honour the athletes.

Trudeau addressed Prince Harry personally, saying that he had “changed the lives of so many people for the better, and for that, we all owe you the deepest debt of gratitude.”

The Duke of Sussex seemed to be very moved by the comment, according to observers, and body language expert Darren Stanton described it as “genuine emotion.”

Stanton clarified, “His reaction makes it obvious that he was truly about to cry.” He inserts his tongue inside his cheek if you look attentively. When people wish to suppress their tears, they do this.

Compared to his more forceful demeanour during the Invictus Games, Prince Harry’s actions were different. Stanton saw his decision to stay sitting during a standing ovation as an indication of his emotional sensitivity and humility.

Additionally, he observed the British royal’s composure while seated. Prince Harry’s following thumbs-up to the crowd might be seen as both a sign of gratitude for their support and a sign that he was “too emotional to respond with words.”

The Duchess of Sussex, meantime, publicly supported Prince Harry and the Invictus Games on Instagram while she was in California taking care of their kids at the closing ceremony.

She highlighted her husband’s work with veterans and the event’s beneficial impact in one of her posts, expressing her love and appreciation for him. Markle said that on Valentine’s Day, she missed him.

Meghan had been with her husband from the beginning of the Invictus Games, providing a visible and encouraging presence. Her joyful attitude during the inaugural event on February 8 garnered a lot of attention, partly because of remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump and partly because of her husband’s more formal manner.

The president had recently criticised her connection with Prince Harry, and her body language appeared to blatantly contradict that critique.

James shared her thoughts on the situation, noting that Markle seemed keen to express her love and support for her husband. She characterised the Duchess of Sussex’s behaviour as a powerful expression of admiration and connection, as though she were saying, “Hold my coat.”

Meghan Markle gave a “Oh gosh” performance when introducing Prince Harry, utilising gestures including eye rolls, gasping for breathe, throwing her hair, and “whispering to suggest barely-contained emotions.”

Her other responses throughout the event, such as her joy and obvious love for Prince Harry, were interpreted as an attempt to emphasise their tight bond. According to James, she made a physical connection with him by gripping his hand and leaning in in a manner that conveyed “ownership.”

The 2025 Invictus Games demonstrated the Duke of Sussex’s enduring leadership, even in the absence of his wife, despite differing interpretations of body language.

All eyes will be on Prince Harry’s continued development as a public speaker and an advocate for injured veterans as the next Invictus Games are scheduled for Birmingham in 2027.