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There are a number of theories about Prince Harry’s ‘odd’ hand gesture

PRINCE Harry has a nervous tic that tends to come out when he’s surrounded by photographers. There are a number of theories about his “odd” hand gesture.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during an official photo call to announce their engagement. Picture: Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during an official photo call to announce their engagement. Picture: Getty

PRINCE Harry has been in the spotlight over the past few months, ever since announcing his engagement to ex-Suits actor Meghan Markle.

The influx of photos and videos has meant his nervous tic has become more and more apparent.

Most of us have a nervous tic — that little something you unconsciously do when you are feeling anxious or stressed or embarrassed. Some people twirl their hair, some bite their nails, some incessantly tap their foot. It’s our way of subconsciously reassuring ourselves in situations that we perceive as difficult.

Harry, it would seem, loves to tuck his right hand into his suit jacket.

He’s been doing it for years.

Prince Harry and actor Meghan Markle during an official photo call to announce their engagement. Picture: Getty
Prince Harry and actor Meghan Markle during an official photo call to announce their engagement. Picture: Getty
Prince Harry meets Melania Trump on day one of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.
Prince Harry meets Melania Trump on day one of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017.
Prince Harry attends the "Dunkirk" World Premiere.
Prince Harry attends the "Dunkirk" World Premiere.
Prince Harry arrives for the World premiere of 'Quantum Of Solace'. Picture: Getty
Prince Harry arrives for the World premiere of 'Quantum Of Solace'. Picture: Getty

A number of publications have suggested there may be a “hidden meaning” behind the “odd” hand gesture.

Traci Brown, body language expert and author of Persuasion Point: Body Language and Speech Influence, told GoodHousekeeping.com “he’s seen this way quite a bit ... he’s covering his solar plexus area (the vital organs) and protecting it which just says he’s not quite comfortable in the situation — who would be with all those photographers around and people like myself analysing him?”

Prince Harry makes a joke with Nicolas Martin, Acting Mayor of Mons and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in 2014. Picture: Samir Hussein/Wire Image
Prince Harry makes a joke with Nicolas Martin, Acting Mayor of Mons and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in 2014. Picture: Samir Hussein/Wire Image

Another body language expert, Blanca Cobb, says it’s his way of putting up his guard when he’s in public situations.

“Prince Harry’s arm placed across his abdomen serves as a barrier to separate or distance himself from something that he makes him uncomfortable. In this case, it could be having photos taken.”

Prince Harry during an event in Washington, DC. Picture: Getty
Prince Harry during an event in Washington, DC. Picture: Getty

Veering over to the more bizarre side of things is the theory that Prince Harry is the secret signal of the Illuminati (a mysterious group of people claiming to possess special enlightenment) or the Freemasons.

Other royal watchers claim the hand-in-coat gesture is a symbol of a higher social class.

“Back in Napoleon’s time, the hand-in-the-coat portrait was simply the way important men were painted — even to the point where the pose almost became a cliche,” the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Our theory? England is ridiculously freezing and he is trying to save the fingers on at least one hand from frostbite.

Read related topics:Meghan MarklePrince Harry

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/there-are-a-number-of-theories-about-prince-harrys-odd-hand-gesture/news-story/8a18b8dfe308379ed73ac89ad5940dc3