Meghan Markle ‘boosted Prince Harry’s confidence’ by showing signals of ‘bonding, affection and ownership’, according to a body language expert.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, looked more loved-up than ever with her husband, 39, during a visit to traditional Afro-Caribbean village San Basilio de Palenque on Saturday.
Plenty of photos show the affectionate pair holding hands while walking through the village beaming. However despite their obvious joy, Judi James, a UK-based body language expert, said Harry appeared ‘wary’ and ‘in protective mode’ at times.
However in other moments the prince appeared to ‘mirror’ Meghan and gave a more relaxed ‘enjoyment’ display with a ‘wide smile on his face’.
During one particularly tender moment between the pair, Meghan pulled Harry’s hand close to her body while placing her free hand over his wrist. Judi told FEMAIL the act was a ‘tie-sign of bonding, ownership and affection’ from Meghan towards Harry.
Meghan Markle ‘boosts Prince Harry’s confidence’ while also showing signals of ‘bonding, affection and ownership’, according to Body language expert
She said: ‘Their walkabout did involve Harry’s body language signals fluctuating between some undisguised wariness as he placed his hand in a protective position in the hand clasp and walked ahead of Meghan with some signs of tension showing around his lips, to this more relaxed ‘enjoyment’ display with an alpha chest splay; his arms held out from his sides, and a wide smile on his face as he waved or even performed a thumbs-up to the people watching.
‘It looks as though Meghan might have prompted and inspired this more confident, relaxed and royal performative mode as she performs the kind of loving body language rituals on her husband that we first saw her use during their engagement press call.
‘Pulling Harry’s hand in their hand clasp close to her own body she places her free hand over his wrist in a double-up signal of bonding, affection and ownership.
‘This double-clasp is a powerful tie-sign that she also uses to boost Harry’s confidence.
‘She pairs it with some intense eye contact which Harry reciprocates, which is less easy that it looks when you’re in motion walking together. The result is the way that Harry then mirrors her smile and even her open-mouth laughter as they now walk in step and very visually in love.’
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex beamed as they made the most of the third day of their four day trip to Colombia and headed to the historic city of Cartagena.
![Plenty of photos show the loved-up pair holding hands while walking through the village beaming, although at some points Harry appeared 'wary' and 'in protective mode'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88646295-13754625-image-a-2_1723970735030.jpg)
Plenty of photos show the loved-up pair holding hands while walking through the village beaming, although at some points Harry appeared ‘wary’ and ‘in protective mode’
![The Duchess of Sussex, 43, looked more loved-up than ever with her husband, 39, during a visit to traditional Afro-Caribbean village San Basilio de Palenque on Saturday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88646395-13754625-image-a-3_1723970929682.jpg)
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, looked more loved-up than ever with her husband, 39, during a visit to traditional Afro-Caribbean village San Basilio de Palenque on Saturday
![However in other moments the prince appeared to 'mirror' Meghan and gave a more relaxed ¿enjoyment¿ display with a 'wide smile on his face'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88646429-13754625-However_in_other_moments_the_prince_appeared_to_mirror_Meghan_an-m-6_1723971031691.jpg)
However in other moments the prince appeared to ‘mirror’ Meghan and gave a more relaxed ‘enjoyment’ display with a ‘wide smile on his face’
![During one particularly tender moment between the pair, Meghan pulled Harry¿s hand close to her body while placing her free hand over his wrist](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88646431-13754625-During_one_particularly_tender_moment_between_the_pair_Meghan_pu-m-8_1723971109036.jpg)
During one particularly tender moment between the pair, Meghan pulled Harry’s hand close to her body while placing her free hand over his wrist
![Body language expert Judi James said the hand holding is a 'tie-sign of bonding, ownership and affection' from Meghan towards Harry](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88646389-13754625-Body_language_expert_Judi_James_said_the_hand_holding_is_a_tie_s-m-9_1723971203047.jpg)
Body language expert Judi James said the hand holding is a ‘tie-sign of bonding, ownership and affection’ from Meghan towards Harry
The pair appeared carefree and affectionate towards each other, as Meghan gripped Harry’s arm during a walk through the village.
Meghan looked typically chic in white linen skirt, which she paired with a sleeveless tank top and Panama hat.
She accessorised with stylish aviator sunglasses, Princess Diana’s £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch, a £5800 Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bracelet and she completed her ensemble with black sandals.
Prince Harry looked smart in a breezy light blue linen shirt which he paired with cream trousers and brown shoes.
They were met with a warm welcome as locals clapped, cheered and waved at the couple who were accompanied by their security team.
Harry and Meghan walked through the village square where stalls with traditional handicrafts had been set up as they chatted animatedly to onlookers.
The village was set up by freed African slaves almost 300 years ago and has been described as a ‘little corner of Africa’.
The stop was particularly significant for Meghan, as when she visited Nigeria in May she said she was ’43 per cent Nigerian’.
Today the quasi royal tour will end with a trip to the city of Cali where the couple will attend a music festival and meet local youngsters.
Meghan’s speech in Cali will touch on the theme of ‘Afro Women and Power’ and is due to be held at the city’s main theatre.
At the village of San Basilio de Palenque, local rapper Andris Padilla Julio, 32, performed for the Duke and Duchess after they toured the area.
![Meghan accessorised with stylish aviator sunglasses, Princess Diana 's £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch, a £5800 Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bracelet and she completed her ensemble with black sandals](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88644469-13754565-Meghan_accessorised_with_stylish_aviator_sunglasses_Princess_Dia-m-27_1723967483654.jpg)
Meghan accessorised with stylish aviator sunglasses, Princess Diana ‘s £17,800 Gold Tank Française Watch, a £5800 Cartier Love Yellow Gold Bracelet and she completed her ensemble with black sandals
![The pair looked appeared carefree and affectionate towards each other, as Meghan gripped Harry's arm during a walk through the village](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88644467-13754565-The_pair_looked_appeared_carefree_and_affectionate_towards_each_-m-8_1723966842069.jpg)
The pair looked appeared carefree and affectionate towards each other, as Meghan gripped Harry’s arm during a walk through the village
![Meghan looked typically chic in white linen skirt, which she paired with a sleeveless blouse and Panama hat](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88644479-13754565-image-a-5_1723966501453.jpg)
Meghan looked typically chic in white linen skirt, which she paired with a sleeveless blouse and Panama hat
![Prince Harry looked smart in a breezy light blue linen shirt which he paired with cream trousers and brown shoes](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88644487-13754565-Prince_Harry_looked_smart_in_a_breezy_light_blue_linen_shirt_whi-m-9_1723966930696.jpg)
Prince Harry looked smart in a breezy light blue linen shirt which he paired with cream trousers and brown shoes
Known by the rap name Afroneto, Padilla is the creator of a style known RFP or Folkloric Palanquero Rap.
He said: ‘I spoke with Harry and his wife and Francia Marquez about our plan to build an arts performance centre here.
‘I gave them a document with what we want to do and now all they need to do is put in the money that we need.
‘They said they would help. Harry complemented me on my RFP flow and my outfit.’
Josefa Hernandez, 38, a contractor for Colombia’s Ministry of Culture who served as master of ceremonies for the visit, said: ‘This visit has been very symbolic for us.
‘The Duke and Duchess broke their protocol to thank us for opening the doors of our community to them.
‘They told us that they understood the importance of San Basilio de Palenque for the history of Colombia and the world.
‘First they visited San Basilio de Palenque’s cultural centre where Franca Marquez spoke and the national anthem of Columbia and the anthem of Palenque were played.
![Meghan and Harry walk through the streets of San Basilio de Palenque in Columbia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88636777-13754565-Meghan_and_Harry_walk_through_the_streets_of_San_Basilio_de_Pale-a-10_1723967026025.jpg)
Meghan and Harry walk through the streets of San Basilio de Palenque in Columbia
![Members of a children's choir wave as they wait for the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88636749-13754565-Members_of_a_children_s_choir_wave_as_they_wait_for_the_arrival_-a-11_1723967032942.jpg)
Members of a children’s choir wave as they wait for the arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan
![Prince Harry and Meghan arrive in San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88636685-13754565-Prince_Harry_and_Meghan_arrive_in_San_Basilio_de_Palenque_Colomb-a-12_1723967038266.jpg)
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive in San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia
![Speaking at the village Meghan said: 'We understand very well the importance and meaning of what this town is, it has become very clear to us. We understand what Palenque represents for Colombia and for the world, we thank you for sharing with us everything you showed to us'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88644829-13754565-Speaking_at_the_village_Meghan_said_We_understand_very_well_the_-m-14_1723967147823.jpg)
Speaking at the village Meghan said: ‘We understand very well the importance and meaning of what this town is, it has become very clear to us. We understand what Palenque represents for Colombia and for the world, we thank you for sharing with us everything you showed to us’
‘A local wise woman performed a ritual predicting prosperity for the Duke, the Duchess and the Vice President.
‘Then they were given a tour by a local historian explained the story of how the town was created.’
Columbia has the third largest population of African descent after Nigeria and Brazil and the trio host vice president Francia Marquez is the first black woman to hold the position. Speaking in 2014 to Amnesty Ms Marquez said Colombia’s Afro women ‘must keep going’, despite the risks they face.
She believed women have a key role to play because their ‘caring instinct’ drives them to protect not only their children, but also their territory, the environment and their communities.
‘We need to feminize politics and fill humanity with maternal love. ‘War has always been driven by machismo, by the patriarchy and by business between men. I think these men need to stop being so aggressive in life and think about feminizing themselves.’
![Earlier in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Cartagena, the historic town which sits on the Caribbean Sea, and looked chic as they stepped off the plane](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88645111-13754565-image-a-2_1723967856191.jpg)
Earlier in the day, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in Cartagena, the historic town which sits on the Caribbean Sea, and looked chic as they stepped off the plane
![The couple got into the spirit of the music festival as they played the bongo drums at a school](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88645113-13754565-image-a-3_1723967903241.jpg)
The couple got into the spirit of the music festival as they played the bongo drums at a school
![The couple appeared to be wearing earpieces, perhaps to aid translation from Spanish to English, as they took part in the class](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/08/88645107-13754565-image-a-4_1723967979197.jpg)
The couple appeared to be wearing earpieces, perhaps to aid translation from Spanish to English, as they took part in the class
![The Sussexes also looked cosy during the music class as they shared a sweet moment when Harry whispered into Meghan's ear](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88645109-13754565-image-a-5_1723968009554.jpg)
The Sussexes also looked cosy during the music class as they shared a sweet moment when Harry whispered into Meghan’s ear
The Petronio Alvarez music festival Harry and Meghan attended yesterday is the largest Afro-Colombian celebration in the country and held every August.
In the village today, Harry and Meghan were treated to a show of singing and dancing by locals wearing traditional African themed outfits.
Sadly for the couple, the encroaching sunset meant they only had around twenty minutes in the square before leaving in their convoy.
They did pause briefly to admire a statue of San Basilio’s founder, Benkos Bioho.
After freeing himself from his Spanish rulers, Bioho, originally from modern-day Guinea Bissau, established the town, which has Unesco heritage status, as an ‘enclave of liberation’ for emancipated slaves.
Access was strictly limited and only the Sussex approved media team was able to get anywhere near the couple.
![Meghan opted for a two piece from one of her favourite designers, Johanna Ortiz, as she attednded the workshop](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88645105-13754565-Meghan_opted_for_a_two_piece_from_one_of_her_favourite_designers-a-8_1723968074773.jpg)
![Harry and Meghan in Cartagena](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88645103-13754565-image-a-9_1723968074821.jpg)
Meghan opted for a two piece from one of her favourite designers, Johanna Ortiz, as she attended the workshop
A spokesperson for the vice president’s office said: ‘The event was a special meeting to reconnect with African roots; to learn about the experiences and living conditions of black, Afro-descendant, Raizal and Palanquero peoples in the region and to strengthen human and cultural development programs that promote the guarantee of cultural and collective rights in this territory.’
Speaking at the village Meghan said: ‘We understand very well the importance and meaning of what this town is, it has become very clear to us. We understand what Palenque represents for Colombia and for the world, we thank you for sharing with us everything you showed to us.’
Prince Harry told the crowd: ‘It feels like we have already seen the whole country.’
He added: ‘What we are seeing here is everything that is a community, do not forget the message of the Vice President, they are stronger together, they are stronger united as one.’
Earlier, Harry and Meghan had kicked off the third day of their quasi royal tour of Colombia with a visit to a Caribbean drumming school.
![Meghan looked demure as she and Harry sat at the drums ahead of the workshop](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88645095-13754565-image-a-11_1723968152548.jpg)
Meghan looked demure as she and Harry sat at the drums ahead of the workshop
![Giving it a go! Harry appeared to try his hand at playing the drum while Meghan watched on](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88645097-13754565-image-a-12_1723968173866.jpg)
Giving it a go! Harry appeared to try his hand at playing the drum while Meghan watched on
![The Sussexes were joined at the workshop by the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88645099-13754565-image-a-10_1723968106860.jpg)
The Sussexes were joined at the workshop by the Vice President of Colombia, Francia Márquez
![Meghan and Harry walked off the plane hand-in-hand as they arrived in the city](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88645101-13754565-image-a-13_1723968202822.jpg)
Meghan and Harry walked off the plane hand-in-hand as they arrived in the city
![Meghan looked chic in her Johanna Ortiz two-piece as she chatted to a police officer on arrival at the airport](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/08/18/09/88645093-13754565-image-a-14_1723968230279.jpg)
Meghan looked chic in her Johanna Ortiz two-piece as she chatted to a police officer on arrival at the airport
The Sussexes, along with Ms Marquez and her husband, participated in a drum lesson led by the students, followed by a performance from some of the locals which brought all the VIPs to their feet.
School director Rafael Ramos was ecstatic to see the duchess’s reaction to the performances and said: ‘I love seeing Meghan’s big, big smile — I can tell she’s excited!’
Following the performance, Ms Marquez gave an impassioned speech about the inherent importance of tradition when it comes to preserving Colombian heritage.
Speaking to the crowd, which included members of her own family who she brought along for the day, she expressed that towns like Cartagena represent the heart of Colombian culture and how the art of drumming in particular symbolizes freedom for Black communities around the world.
She also acknowledged that part of her decision to invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Colombia was because she views them as a joint symbol of resistance and two vital voices against injustice.
‘The Duke and Duchess came to Colombia…this is Colombia. This is where the roots of our ancestors and our forefathers are from, ‘ said Vice President Marquez. ‘A community like this cannot be displaced.’
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved from the capital Bogota to the coastal town of Cartagena with a usual heavy security detail.
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