Meghan Markle is ‘bouncing back’ following recent controversies, claims a body language expert  

Meghan Markle put on an act of ‘resilience and defiance’ as she stepped out following recent controversies, a body language expert has claimed. 

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, returned to work for her first official public engagement since the birth of her son Archie in May – and arrived in London to launch a high street clothing range in aid of charity.  

Meghan’s appearance comes just weeks after she and husband Prince Harry, 34, were embroiled in a hypocrisy row after taking four private jets in just 11 days. 

They flew to Ibiza by private jet on August 6 for Meghan’s 38th birthday, and days later flew to Nice on a £15million Cessna plane described as the ‘pinnacle of luxury’.     

Speaking to FEMAIL, Judi James has revealed that the mother-of-one’s body language at her engagement today suggests she’s finally bouncing back…

Meghan is supporting Smart Works, which aims to help unemployed women regain confidence to succeed at job interviews. Pictured, at the launch of her high street clothing range for charity in London today

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced recent criticism after taking four private jets in just 11 days - despite preaching about the environment

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced recent criticism after taking four private jets in just 11 days – despite preaching about the environment 

THE SALUTATORY WAVE 

Meghan Markle offered less of a royal wave and more of a friendly hail to suggest "Hi, I’m back" said body language expert, Judi James

 Meghan Markle offered less of a royal wave and more of a friendly hail to suggest “Hi, I’m back” said body language expert, Judi James 

While the royals are known for a rather structured wave, Meghan instead opted for a friendlier greeting as she arrived in London today. 

‘Her hand is held high here in a wave that would form a direct tie-sign or non-verbal message to her audience and fans,’ noted Judi.

‘It’s less of a royal wave and more of a friendly hail to suggest “Hi, I’m back.” Her thumb is bent but her fingers are upright, signalling energy and enthusiasm and a direct approach.’

‘Her facial expression matches the core message, her mouth and eye-smile form the kind of warm grin that suggests she’s hailing friends.’

SQUARED SHOULDERS AND UPTURNED PALMS  

The Duchess of Sussex, who launched the Smart Works capsule collection in London of which she is a patron, was pictured with upturned palms - a sign of being relaxed

The Duchess of Sussex, who launched the Smart Works capsule collection in London of which she is a patron, was pictured with upturned palms – a sign of being relaxed

Taking to the microphone at the launch of the five-piece capsule collection, which includes a £19.50 M&S dress, a £109 bag from John Lewis and a £125 shirt by her friend Misha Nonoo, the Duchess of Sussex took to the stand. 

‘Meghan’s squared shoulders as she makes a speech suggest the kind of solid levels of confidence that she always portrayed, while the hands cupped upward at rib level signal a relaxed form of openness and poise,’ explained Judi. 

‘She looks calm and happy to be communicating directly again, getting across the kind of messages that meet her core values.’

‘Her knowing smile to the audience endorses that message as we see Meghan showing her authentic, campaigning and charity side.’

CONFIDENT GREETING

The mother-of-one 'instigated' the hand shake, while her 'wide stride' suggested high energy levels

The mother-of-one ‘instigated’ the hand shake, while her ‘wide stride’ suggested high energy levels

Judi pointed out that Meghan's close proximity to a host suggested social confidence, suggesting she's with a friend

Judi pointed out that Meghan’s close proximity to a host suggested social confidence, suggesting she’s with a friend 

The body language expert also suggests that the Duchess portrayed signs of ‘energy, confidence and a keenness to get on with her real work’ when greeting guests. 

Judi added: ‘She instigates this shake, using a wide stride to suggest those high energy levels. Her elbow is raised to enable her to dig in with what looks like a strong clasp.’

In another picture, Meghan’s proximity to her host during a greeting ritual suggests social confidence and shows that the pair are friends,

‘The Duchess uses eye contact during this mutual hug, placing her hand on her host’s bicep to signal mutual warmth and pleasure at meeting,’ said Judi. 

THE HAIR-TOUCH

Judi suggested that Meghan's slightly tilted head and raised cheeks are signs of genuine pleasure and happiness

Judi suggested that Meghan’s slightly tilted head and raised cheeks are signs of genuine pleasure and happiness

During previous royals engagements, the Duchess of Sussex has often been photographed playing with her hair or pushing it behind her ears.

And while it’s normally reflective of nerves, Judi James believes there are other signs to suggest that on this occasion, it’s a sign she’s getting her confidence back.

‘It is a signature Meghan gesture and has been used as both a hair-preen or a partial cut-off in the past when she’s feeling less assured in public,’ explained Judi. 

‘Her head is only slightly tilted here though and those rounded, raised cheeks suggest her smile is one of genuine pleasure and happiness.’

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