Big sign Prince Harry wasn’t happy during his UN speech

A body language expert has claimed Prince Harry was exhibiting signs of “high-level nervousness and tension” during his United Nations appearance.

All eyes were on Prince Harry earlier this week as he delivered a speech at the UN to mark Nelson Mandela Day.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived hand-in-hand at the New York UN headquarters, where Harry spoke passionately about the late activist’s legacy.

But before taking to the stage, the dad-of-two – who stepped down as a senior working royal in January 2020 – looked visibly nervous as he sat in the audience with his wife and United Nations members.

After he momentarily let go of Meghan’s hand, the former Suits actress was filmed placing Harry’s arm into her lap in a show of support, The US Sun reports.

Speaking exclusively to The US Sun, body language expert Judi James said Prince Harry was exhibiting signs of “high-level nervousness and tension”.

“A much calmer and more poised Meghan went into firm parental mode, using a correctional gesture to ensure reassurance after Harry appeared to dismiss or shrug off her hand clasp,” she said.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at the UN hand-in-hand. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images/AFP

Body language expert Judi James says Prince Harry exhibited signs of ‘high-level nervousness and tension.’ Picture: Timothy A. Clary/AFP

Pointing out the four signs of Harry’s “inner anxiety”, Ms James highlighted how the Duke kept touching his wedding ring.

“His constant fiddling with his wedding ring ... is a self-comfort ritual like a child might suck its thumb or carry a comfort-blanket,” the expert said.

“Harry used a whole raft of these self-comfort rituals arriving at the venue and walking on stage, including a truncated buttoning of his jacket, a smoothing of his tie and the placing of a hand across his tummy.

“He also touches his watch or wristband, which is direct mimicry of his father’s signature self-comfort gesture.

Secondly, the expert said the Duke had “hollow, expressionless eyes” during the public appearance.

“This is a look Harry had on the build-up to leaving the UK,” she added.

“It is not a look his fans will want to see now he is happily settled in the US, but it could be down to priming himself for his speech.”

What’s more, Ms James said the Duke’s “unsmiling expression” was another key indicator.

“Harry only smiles here as a social commitment when someone talks to him or when he is congratulated after his speech,” she said.

Fourthly, the body language expert pointed out a very telling “micro-gesture”.

“At one point Harry shimmies slightly in his seat which looks like a gesture to attempt to re-boot his inner confidence,” she said.

The Duke was seen playing with his wedding ring. Picture: Timothy A. Clary/AFP

However, the expert says Meghan is in tune with her husband’s body language and tries to calm to his nerves.

“Meghan is the professional when it comes to performing and she is never seen looking nervous or anything other than confident before a speech,” Ms James said.

“This could be why she goes into nurturing mode, correcting his refusal of the hand clasp by pulling the hand into her lap and cradling his arm with her left hand. She also glances down at the clasp as though checking it out.

“Her nurturing mode is also apparent when she hears a woman behind them coughing and immediately get her a bottle of water from her bag.

“Meghan may have decided to be insistent about the double hand clasp because she could ‘feel’ and see Harry’s nerves building up, like a parent will often read a child and move in to soothe or calm in a pre-emptive gesture.

“Her nurturing mode is also apparent when she hears a woman behind them coughing and immediately gets her a bottle of water from her bag.

“Was Harry’s mood anything other than nervous? Is he the surrendered male some people claim?

“His response to the corrective clasp looks positive as his fingers curl around hers, plus once he has finished his speech he sits back beside her and seems to instigate the same clasp.

“Meghan clearly uses it as a useful tie-sign as well as an expression of affection as a PDA. She was also rubbing Harry’s arm with her hand and one thumb, which is a version of the double-handed clasp and arm-rubs she used at their engagement photo shoot.

“It does signal moments of taking control and the real question might be why Harry pulled his hand away in front of the cameras when the couple are always known for their eternal touch and hand clasp rituals.”

This article originally appeared in The US Sun and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Big sign Prince Harry wasn’t happy during his UN speech