Meghan Markle was sure to use a loving gesture to show her appreciation for husband Prince Harry as she accepted a Women of Vision award on Tuesday evening.
The actress "gazed up at him adoringly" as they posed on the red carpet, with Meghan keen "to show the importance of her husband in her life", according to a body language expert.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Judi James said: "It is Meghan's night and she has looked like the confident star throughout but here she adopts a look that would normally signal it is the husband who is the star of the show, gazing up at him adoringly while he looks straight into the camera.
"This appears to be flattering and loving 'thank you' behaviour from Meghan, who seems to be keen to show the importance of her husband in her life and in her success."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were also joined by Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, with Judi saying the trio displayed "a very loving family unit" on the red carpet.
"The family grouping on the red carpet shows Harry in 'hub' mode, standing in between Meghan and Doria to show a very loving family unit of three, with his arms out behind their backs to form a virtual and rather protective/supportive hug."
At the ceremony, Meghan was recognised for "her global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls".
As she entered the event, which was held at Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan, Meghan placed a caring hand on her mother's back.
Judi said: "This was clearly a family event for Meghan, who arrived with her mother Doria as well as husband Harry.
"Meghan's award was about empowerment of women and her role as daughter appeared to be forefront in her mind as she swept past Harry who had been first out the car to wait by the door on their arrival, and in behind her mother, placing a very loving pat on Doria's right shoulder to signal she should walk safely ahead into the venue."
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