Prince William made an encouraging and kind gesture to his sister-in-law Meghan Markle when they reunited to view floral tributes to the Queen, a body language expert has said.
William masterminded an emotional reunion between him and wife Kate with his estranged brother Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, which saw them inspect flowers and greet wellwishers at Windsor Castle yesterday. There were audible gasps when the couples – not seen in public together for 915 days – emerged from the castle all dressed in black after William, the new Prince of Wales, invited the Sussexes to join him and Kate.
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There have been countless reports of a fallout between the brothers, with Meghan accusing Kate of making her cry during her Oprah Winfrey interview and Harry saying his brother is "trapped".
But following the death of the Queen, the brothers put their differences aside to carry out the walkabout before they left in the same vehicle, which has been described as a small, but symbolic moment.
And according to body language expert Judi James, William appeared the leader of the group and offered a touching gesture to Meghan.
She told the Mirror: "There were moments of communication between the four and it was obvious that this was William’s decision and instigation.
"He led the choreography and he was the one to hold out an arm to gesture Meghan to join the group and be introduced to their host."
The appearance also marked Harry and Meghan's first public walkabout in the UK since quitting as senior royals in 2020 and setting up a new life in California.
And Judi noted they did appear a little apprehensive at first but managed to relax into their roles.
She added: "Meghan and Harry used some mutual signals of reassurance and support. Harry placed an arm around Meghan’s back and rubbed it with his thumb and Meghan returned the gesture when they chatted to the crowds.
"Both looked a little cautious about those crowds and it was unusual to see Meghan instigating a handshake by sticking her hand out first rather than responding to hands already offered.
"Harry grew more comfortable and relaxed as he heard the love from the fans and something of the old Harry returned, including grins and more active chatting as he reached into the crowds to touch hands."
However, "phenomenal" reunion, Judi believes there is still some work to be done in repairing the rift between the couples completely.
She explained: "There were no add-on tie signs between the two couples to suggest anything fonder or more affectionate had been achieved behind the scenes. Eye contact was minimal and chatting reserved to a very few words.
"On a scale of bonding it was just above the level of perma-frost we saw at the Commonwealth day service in 2020 but no higher than the chats between the brothers at both Prince Philip's funeral and the unveiling of Princess Diana’s statue.
"But as public statements go it was phenomenal and probably broke some very important ice in terms of any appearances to come over the next very tragic week."
* This weekend, the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special filled with all the key moments from Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror to get poth pullouts.
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here.
