Prince Harry displayed “a good deal of nervousness” during his first public engagement in Britain this week, with a body language expert claiming several subtle gestures suggested he was keen to project confidence while seeking reassurance.
The 41-year-old Duke of Sussex arrived at Chatham House in London on Tuesday to host the 14th Invictus Games Foundation Conversation: From Policy to Practice, just hours before the High Court dismissed his claims against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL).
As Harry stepped from his car and greeted supporters and members of the media, body language expert Inbaal Honigman said his movements revealed what she described as a people-pleasing approach.
“Harry’s body language betrays a good deal of nervousness, alongside a clear people-pleasing strategy,” Honigman told SkyNews.com.au.
“As he greets the gathered press and fans, the Prince’s wave is soft and appears to seek approval.”
Honigman said the Duke’s fingers appeared slightly bent and spread apart during the wave, creating small gaps between them that she interpreted as a more supplicant gesture.
“Had he waved with a firm, flat palm and his fingers held tightly together, it would have conveyed a stronger sense of authority and leadership,” she said.
“Instead, Harry’s gentle wave suggests he is looking for reassurance and encouragement.”
Honigman also pointed to how Harry repeatedly adjusted his clothing, another major sign of nervous energy.
“As he walks, Harry can also be seen fidgeting with his clothing. Any form of fidgeting can be a sign of nervousness, but movements involving clothing or hair are specifically classified as ‘grooming’ gestures in body language.
“These behaviours suggest Harry is conscious of his appearance and is keen to present himself in the best possible light.”
Despite those observations, Honigman said Harry also made a deliberate effort to present himself confidently from the moment he arrived.
“He wastes no time standing at his full height,” Honigman said.
“The speed with which the Prince adopts a firm, upright posture reflects his determination and willpower. He appears eager to project a strong and resolute presence in front of the press, leaving little room for any impression of weakness or uncertainty.
“As he buttons up his jacket, Harry sends a further signal of resolve and readiness, reinforcing the composed image he is trying to present.”
The engagement took on added significance after the father-of-two was informed of the High Court ruling just moments before taking to the stage to make his speech.
According to People, Harry remained composed despite the decision and even joked about Britain’s heatwave as he began his speech.
After thanking supporters, partners and sponsors, he quipped: “It is one of the few rooms in the UK that has air conditioning, so I can understand why every seat is full. I get it.”
At the same time, the BBC’s royal correspondent Sean Coughlan said Harry “stuck to his script” while the legal drama unfolded around him.
“Prince Harry stuck to his script. Suit and tie in a heatwave, head down, reading out his prepared lines about the games at the event in Chatham House, welcoming Uganda as a new member country,” Coughlan said.
“However, attention inside the room soon shifted as journalists checked their phones for the court’s decision, which confirmed Harry had lost his case against ANL.”
According to Coughlan, Harry “disappeared from the room for a while”, while conversations about the judgment unfolded alongside the Invictus event.
“Later, there were attempts at humour. Prince Harry messed around with a disc during a photo moment, as though he was going to throw it as a frisbee,” Coughlan said.
“He hugged some of the guests and had selfies taken.”
Following the ruling, Harry and fellow claimant Doreen Lawrence released a strongly worded statement criticising the outcome.
“We came to court seeking justice and accountability. But we received neither,” they said in a statement.
“It is a complete and obvious whitewash, but sadly not altogether unexpected.”
Harry and his fellow co-claimants are estimated to face total legal costs exceeding £50 million (approximately AUD$96 million).