Prince Harry attended a dinner organized by World Health Organization (WHO) in New York over the weekend – and according to a body language expert, the 40-year-old appeared to show signs that he is struggling with his ‘visible demotion’ with the royal hierarchy.
When his wife, Meghan Markle, was not at the event which was held to honour survivors of childhood violence, a number of notable people did attend – including Queen Mathilde of Belgium, actor Forest Whitaker, several UN Agency Heads, and other dignitaries.
Officials from countries like Sweden, Colombia, Zimbabwe, Georgia, Canada, Iceland, and Brazil were also present, as were survivors of child abuse to discuss the important issue at the event on Sunday.
All are in New York for the UN General Assembly, which is set to kick off on Monday morning in Manhattan.
However, while one may think Prince Harry would be in his element among royalty once more, according to body language expert Judi James, the Duke of Sussex appeared to show signs that he is ‘struggling with his visible demotion’.
Prince Harry was pictured warmly embracing Queen Mathilde of Belgium at an event in New York on Sunday
Body language expert Judi James noted that ‘as Harry and Mathilde walk in a group, it’s Harry who seems to be walking behind to emphasise the fact that he’s no longer the only royal in the room’
One of the photographs from the event shows King Charles‘ youngest son greeting Queen Mathilde.
Describing the embrace, James told FEMAIL: ‘It’s Mathilde adopting the body language signals of royal rank and status here while Harry shows possible signs of struggling with his visible demotion.
‘He greets the Belgian Queen like family, using a warm eye-gaze on her face while extending his right hand to clasp her on her upper arm, creating what looks like a rather sweet moment of tactile affection.’
James added that while Mathilde’s face ‘appears crinkled in a reciprocal smile’, Harry appeared more keen, ‘bending in towards her, she seems to keep a more upright posture, while her right hand on Harry’s shoulder looks regally elegant and polite’.
This wasn’t the only sign the body language expert picked up on in the photos.
She added: ‘As Harry and Mathilde walk in a group, it’s Harry who seems to be walking behind to emphasise the fact that he’s no longer the only royal in the room in New York.’
Perhaps more seriously, she noted his facial expression, which appeared somewhat unhappy.
James said: ‘His facial expression appears to have fallen into the “haunted” look that is sadly a signature signal for Harry when he’s not being upbeat and animated.’
According to Judi James, Prince Harry appeared to have a ‘haunted’ expression, which she said ‘is sadly a signature signal for Harry when he’s not being upbeat and animated’
The gathering came a day after Harry attended Kevin Costner’s charity concert at his beachfront estate solo, all the way across the country in California while Meghan was said to be ‘sick.’
Speaking at the WHO’s event, MC Will Poulter told attendees: ‘Violence takes many forms – both physical and psychological – and each leaves a lasting impact on those who experience it.
‘With one billion children around the world experiencing such violence, the statistics are staggering, but they represent real lives.
‘It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that these children are protected.’
Also in attendance were high-profile figures like Whitaker and Shudu Musida, who, along with the survivors, helped pen an open letter last week demanding urgent action from world leaders to end violence against children.
Forrest whittaker was present as well, and is seen here conversing with Prime Minister De Croo and the Duke of Sussex
This comes ahead of the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which is set to take place in Colombia in November.
Signatories of the letter included Harry, Mathilde, and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who was seen conversing with the Duke of Sussex and actor at length during the event.
The Belgian royal spoke to the crowd as well, urging for more to be done to held kids facing corporal punishment, bullying, online violence and sexual abuse.
Other forms of violence singled out by the group include gang violence, child marriage and child labor.
Meghan, meanwhile, was nowhere to be seen, after championing efforts designed to halt online bullying earlier this summer.
In August, the Duchess was seen lovingly clutching her husband’s knee on the set of CBS News Sunday Morning, as she detailed how she struggled with suicidal thoughts because of abuse she received as a working royal
She told host Jane Pauley how she hope her candor will help youngsters around the world navigate similar feelings, while reaching out to her spouse for support.
The event organized by WHO, and was attended by politicians like Prime Minister Alexander De Croo of Belgium, seen beside Harry here. Meghan was noticeably absent after missing out on actor Kevin Costner’s house party due to being ‘sick’ the day before
‘When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey – certainly part of mine – is being able to be really open about it,’ Markle said as Harry looked on.
‘I really scraped the surface on my experience, but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way.
‘And I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans,’ she added. ‘[A]nd I would never want someone else to not be believed.’
A source told the Mirror that she missed Costner’s Santa Barbara house part because ‘she [was] sick and could not make it’.
A-listers like Jeff Bridges, Rob Lowe and Pink were in attendance.