Meghan Markle showed “wariness” in her interview with Drew Barrymore, a body language expert has claimed.
Judi James has analysed Meghan’s reaction to a “relentlessly clingy” Barrymore.
According to James, the former working royal, 43, appeared visibly uncomfortable as the chat show host, 50, embraced the Duchess of Sussex during filming for Thursday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show.
While Barrymore is known for her tactile approach with guests, Meghan, who is typically warm and affectionate herself, seemed less enthusiastic about the physical contact.
Meghan Markle shows ‘wariness’ in interview with Drew Barrymore: ‘Relentlessly clingy’
The Drew Barrymore Show
James said: “This is a rare pose from Meghan, who is normally the first one to move in with the hugs to register the warm, spontaneously tactile side that was apparently met with a tsunami of ice water from the royal firm back in the UK.
“Meghan adopted a straight, polite, more regal-looking pose, perhaps mirroring the kind of response she was met with from the UK royals when she was busy hugging them.
“Her hand was hanging in her pocket rather than reciprocating the display of affection and she flashed a wide social smile at the camera rather than tilting her head in a reciprocal gesture.”
The body language expert noted how Drew “clung relentlessly, curling her arms around Meghan’s waist in a partial koala embrace and tilting her head to nestle against Meghan’s locks.”
James observed the contrast in their expressions, continuing to tell the Mail: “Her rounded cheek, pursed lip smile signalled a sense of warm friendship and affection while Meghan looked rather more distanced emotionally and keener to communicate with the camera than with her host here.”
Photos showed Barrymore leaning into what James described as a “wary” Meghan during their couch conversation.
James continued: “Drew’s angle of lean as she sat on her sofa with Meghan suggested she was poised to move in for some tactile rituals as they chatted.
“Meghan held both hands up in front of her body though, with hands curled into fists in what looked like a subtle barrier ritual.
“Her facial expression also suggested some possible unease.
“Her brows were steepled in a suggestion of wariness, and she had her hand resting on Drew’s arm in what looked like a polite but firm restraining gesture.”
The body language expert noted: “Meghan seemed intent on staying in her own ‘love bubble’ rather than connecting totally with Drew.
“Her adoration of Harry was described and shown emphatically in her near-breathless description of their relationship.”
