Meghan Markle was accused of giving Prince Harry an “icy” look during a recent interview, and a royal expert revealed the shocking reason behind the glare. See the five telling photos that capture the Duchess’s behavior, which social media users called “controlling.”
In August 2024, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry broke their three-year joint interview hiatus with a compelling appearance on “Sunday Morning,” where they introduced a gripping and close-to-home new initiative.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their visit to Lagos, Nigeria, as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary on May 12, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
However, it was Markle’s body language toward her husband that truly captured the public’s attention. Five telling photographs capture the Duchess’s cold behavior, which a royal expert revealed was a way to relay a shocking message.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2024, Markle and Prince Harry’s Archewell Foundation unveiled a groundbreaking initiative called The Parents Network as a cornerstone of their ongoing efforts to address mental health and online safety.
Prince Harry and Megan Markle meeting the parents part of The Parents Network initiative. | Source: YouTube/ CBS Sunday Morning
This initiative was designed to support parents whose children were victimized by online bullying. The Parents Network aimed to offer resources, support, and a sense of community to those navigating the harrowing aftermath of cyberbullying and its devastating consequences.
To discuss the launch of this initiative, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat down for an interview with “Sunday Morning” anchor Jane Pauley in early August 2024 — their first joint interview in three years.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
During this sit-down, the couple opened up about the dangers of social media, particularly concerning its impact on young people and the alarming rise in suicide ideation linked to online interactions.
The interview also featured conversations with parents participating in the foundation’s pilot program. These parents shared heart-wrenching stories of how The Parents Network had played a crucial role in their healing process after their children took their own lives due to online bullying.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
As the conversation unfolded, Pauley delved into more personal territory, asking Markle about her decision to publicly share her own struggles with thoughts of suicide.
This topic was brought to light during Markle’s explosive March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, Markle candidly revealed that she didn’t want to be alive anymore at one point during her time as a senior member of the royal family.
Meghan Markle during her March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning | Harpo Productions
Pauley began the delicate inquiry by saying, “You had an experience that connects you to these families,” referencing Markle’s previous admission of contemplating self-harm.
As she spoke, the anchor observed Markle’s subtle gesture of placing her hand on Prince Harry’s knee, a moment that seemed to underscore the couple’s deep connection and mutual support.
Meghan Markle with her hand on Prince Harry’s knee during their interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
Noticing this, Pauley commented, “I see you touch your husband’s hand in just the way I knew that you would be looking after each other.” This observation led Pauley to acknowledge Markle’s discomfort with the direction of the conversation, stating, “I see you’re uncomfortable with my even going there.”
Markle, in response, offered a measured and empathetic reply: “I understand why you are, though. I wasn’t expecting it, but I understand why you are. Because there is a through-line, I think.”
Meghan Markle during her and Prince Harry’s “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
The Duchess of Sussex went on to reflect on the importance of being open about personal pain and trauma, particularly when it comes to mental health. “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 shared.
Meghan Markle during her and Prince Harry’s interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
“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 and I would never want someone else to not be believed,” she continued.
Markle’s words resonated deeply as she emphasized the significance of sharing her story, not just as a means of personal relief, but as a potential lifeline for others facing similar struggles.
Meghan Markle during her and Prince Harry’s “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
She added, “If me voicing what I have overcome will save someone or encourage someone in their life to really, genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good, so everything is OK, then that’s worth it. I’ll take a hit for that.”
As parents of two young children, Markle and Prince Harry were very much aware of the dangers the digital world can pose. “Our kids are young — they’re 3 and 5. They’re amazing,” Markle said, speaking tenderly about their son, Prince Archie, and daughter, Princess Lilibet.
“But all you want to do as parents is protect them,” she continued. Prince Harry echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of the situation. “At this point, we’ve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder,” he said,
Prince Harry during his and Meghan Markle’s “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
The Duke’s word underscored the necessity for parents to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their children from online dangers. Markle further encouraged viewers and listeners to adopt a deeply personal perspective when considering the issue of online safety.
“Look at it through the lens of ‘What if it was my daughter? What if it was my son?’” she urged. “If you look at it through the lens as a parent, there’s no way to see that any other way than to try to find a solution,” Markle continued.
Following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s interview, a royal expert offered an insightful analysis of Markle’s demeanor. The expert noted that Markle displayed a mix of warmth and reserve throughout the conversation, particularly in her interactions with Prince Harry.
In one moment, Markle’s body was slightly angled toward her husband. Her expression conveyed a mix of attentiveness and contemplation. Markle’s eyes were locked on Prince Harry, her face calm but serious.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
According to the expert, Markle “smiled beatifically” when discussing positive topics such as the couple’s commitment to “change for good” and their “amazing” children. However, her attitude shifted when the Duke spoke on camera.
Markle’s posture was straight, with hands resting gently in her lap, signifying a composed demeanor. Her gaze suggested she was deeply engaged in what Prince Harry was saying, yet there may have been underlying tension.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
The expert suggested Markle’s expressions seemed to convey a subtle, yet clear, message to her husband. At times, she would “look stonily” at Prince Harry, a look the expert described as an “icy, wifely stare.” Markle was seen slightly tilting her head as she brushed her hair back with one hand.
Her eyes were turned towards the prince, her expression neutral. This type of look, the expert noted, allegedly implied a desire for Prince Harry to “keep it short.” It was one that husbands worldwide might recognize as a silent signal to “watch what you are saying, mister.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
Markle’s expression in this image is notably intense. Her eyes are fixed on Prince Harry with a penetrating gaze. The slight tension in her face, especially around the eyes and mouth, was noticeable.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
In other shots, Markle’s posture remained composed, and her body language remained controlled. However, there was a hint of distance in her look. Her hands still rested in her lap, further emphasizing her intent to stay measured during the discussion.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
The couple’s interaction during their meeting with grieving parents was also scrutinized. The expert described a “brief exchange of hugs on a veranda” where the Sussexes met with parents who had lost children to online bullying and drug-related tragedies.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle greeting the parents part of The Parents Network. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
In addition to the royal expert’s analysis, many social media users commented on Markle’s body language and behavior towards Prince Harry during the interview. “It’s the only behavior even hinting at togetherness,” one person said of Markle placing her hand on Prince Harry’s knee.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
“I hate that claw on the knee. She does it all the time. It makes her look so controlling and not comforting. He is a grown man, he should be able to speak his mind without her constantly touching him. Makes him look weak,” another person said of the gesture.
“She’s never listened to advisors. Notice he doesn’t respond at all,” another social media user shared. A fourth stated,“Just another opportunity for the Meg to talk about herself and to get publicity, which seems to be the basis of every single thing she does.”
“The icy stare indeed, but it’s the claw on the knee, surely her advisers must advise this is cringe-worthy. Embarrassing for both of them, seriously sad and heartbreaking for the parents and children involved [sic],” another person commented in part.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their “Sunday Morning” interview with Jane Pauley on August 4, 2024. | Source: YouTube/CBS Sunday Morning
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s recent interview revealed much more than their new initiative. Through expert analysis and public reaction, Markle’s body language, especially towards her husband, sparked significant discussion, highlighting the complexities of their public relationship.
