In a resurfaced clip, Prince Harry appeared content to “take a backseat” as Meghan Markle “took charge” during a pre-recorded interview on CBS Sunday Morning which aired last year. The pair were discussing the issue of online abuse and the protection of children on the internet, a cause they hold dear, with the show’s host Jane Pauley last summer.
Their body language was notably revealing, with expert analyst Darren Stanton suggesting that despite Meghan appearing “nervous”, she took the lead. Speaking for Betfair Casino, he observed: “During the sneak preview of their upcoming interview, Harry is sitting there and listening to Meghan in the beginning. His eye contact was controlled and consistent, which tells us he is actively listening and waiting his turn.
“He seemed at ease taking a backseat while Meghan led the charge during their joint appearance, appreciating the support of having his wife by his side as her presence visibly calmed his nerves.”
However, this did not imply a lack of confidence on the part of the Duke of Sussex, as Mr Stanton further explained: “We later saw Harry beginning to speak up, with him accidentally cutting Meghan off mid-sentence – as she was taking the lead in the conversation, throwing her off guard.
“When Harry answered the interviewer, we see him being expressive with his hands and arms. This shows he felt enthusiastic about the answer he was giving. His non-verbal gestures reflected the passion he hoped to convey verbally.
“Here, Harry demonstrated he has the confidence and control to change the interview dynamic where appropriate. He’s not afraid to have his say and is happy to get more involved in the conversation where he feels necessary, as much as he is happy to let Meghan take a centre role.”
The expert analysed Meghan’s demeanour, noting her slight signs of nerves that she skillfully concealed. He said: “When Harry is speaking and holding court, taking away the attention from Meghan, we saw her biting her lip.”
According to the expert, this lip-biting was telling of Meghan’s internal nervousness despite her confident exterior: “This is a giveaway of how Meghan, despite appearing confident, was feeling nervous internally. It’s a key self-reassurance sign she displays when feeling uncertain or lacking in confidence despite externally portraying the opposite.”
While admitting some reduction in eye contact, the expert praised her overall steady gaze, adding: “While her eye contact did decrease throughout the interview, she did maintain a strong hold for the most part – and it exemplifies how she is able to adopt strength and push through even when she is feeling slightly out of her depth.”