Body language expert reveals key difference between Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as they serve food to LA wildfire victims_Nhy
Meghan Markle was ‘practical’ yet ’emotional’ as she and Prince Harry visited survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires, a body language expert has claimed.
The royal couple, who live near Santa Barbara, around 90 miles away from LA, were seen comforting victims as they handed out food parcels with Jennifer Newsom at the Pasadena Convention Centre, which is being used as an evacuation centre, on Friday.
Meghan, 43, and Harry, 40, have rallied around victims by making donations to relief efforts through their Archewell Foundation and have opened their $14.5million Montecito mansion to loved ones who were forced to evacuate.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stood next to the wife of the Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom, before personally meeting with survivors of the wildfires and handing out food packages.
Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James said that Meghan balanced a ‘practical’ approach of ‘getting stuck in’ with being more ‘tactile’ by sharing an ’emotionally intense hug’.
While Judi emphasised Meghan’s ‘natural’ approach, she added that Harry seemed slightly more out of place, with his body language ‘mirroring’ his wife’s to demonstrate his slight discomfort.
Judi said: ‘We can see Meghan in particular in two body language modes and functions here: firstly what would be termed “getting stuck in”, physically helping out with food distribution and doing so in a way that seems to have rendered herself incognito.
‘The “head-down” body language from Meghan here looks practical rather than performative, implying that the job of distribution is better achieved without a media scrum or being made to stop and talk.’
Meanwhile, Judi told The Mirror that Harry and Meghan’s approach made them appear as the ‘US version’ of the royals.
Meghan Markle was ‘practical’ yet ’emotional’ as she and Prince Harry visited survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires, a body language expert has claimed
She added that the couple then became ‘more tactile’ as they assisted food organisers – though Meghan appeared more ‘natural’ than her husband.
Speaking to Femail, she added: ‘The couple use active listening and mirroring signals here and when Meghan seems to spot the woman she is talking to is removing her glasses to appear to become more emotional.
‘She tunes in with her lips clamped in an expression of sympathy and she moves in to offer one of her hugs, placing her head on the woman’s shoulder to increase the emotional intensity of the hug.
‘Harry seems to mirror his wife with some of the touch rituals, placing his hand onto arms and shoulders, although it’s Meghan who looks the more natural with the more intense touch rituals.’
Finally, Judi said the couple’s exit from the scene was also ‘sympathetic and supportive’, while feeling they’d ‘done their bit’ through their visit.
Judi concluded: ‘The hugging and touching looks both sympathetic and supportive before the casually dressed couple go off hand in hand, presumably feeling that they have ‘done their bit’ in some way in this tragic, ongoing disaster.’
The fires that have ravaged the city have killed 16 people and burned through almost 14,000 acres. Around 4,000 to 5,000 structures have also been damaged or destroyed including the homes of Hollywood A-listers.
US President Joe Biden has chillingly predicting the death toll is likely to rise after he described the terrifying situation as ‘like a war scene’.
Judi noted that Harry’s body language appeared to be ‘mirroring’ that of his wife Meghan
Finally, Judi said the couple’s exit from the scene was also ‘sympathetic and supportive’, while feeling they’d ‘done their bit’ through their visit
Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James said that Meghan balanced a ‘practical’ approach of ‘getting stuck in’ with being more ‘tactile’
Meghan showed support for survivors through ’emotionally intense’ hugs, Judi said
However, Prince Harry’s body language simply mirrored that of his wife
The royal couple, who live near Santa Barbara, around 90 miles away from LA, were seen comforting victims
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, left, and wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, second from left, speak with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, right
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone has warned high winds and low humidity means the fire threat will remain high until Wednesday.
Meghan and Harry were spotted hugging their ‘favourite’ celebrity chef José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, who has teamed up with the couple through their Archewell Foundation since 2020, which is distributing free hot meals to the public and emergency crews in the wake of the wildfires.
The Duchess shared a lemon olive oil cake recipe to Andrés’ The World Central Kitchen: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope in 2023.
Meghan, who was dressed in a light blue shirt and blue LA baseball cap, and Harry, who donned a black baseball cap and black polo shirt, also took time to speak with the Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo.
The couple were keen to provide any support they could, according to the Mayor, saying they were ‘great people’ with ‘great personalities’.
‘They really buoyed the spirits of the first responders. We visited the command post at the Rose Bowl and people were very happy to see them,’ the Mayor added.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stood alongside the embattled California governor’s wife as they served meals to the survivors of the Los Angeles wildfires
The royal couple, who live near Santa Barbara, around 90 miles away from LA, were seen comforting victims as they handed out food parcels with Jennifer Newsom (pictured centre)
It comes ahead of the premiere on Wednesday, January 15, of the Duchess’s new Netflix cookery show With Love, Meghan.
The interaction was broadcast live on Fox News, with news anchor Susan Hirasuna later being slammed online for describing Meghan as ‘Princess Markle’. She also received criticism for saying Meghan was ‘hanging out with the commoners’.
Speaking to Fox News, Mayor Gordo said: ‘They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as they can be and really they just want to be supportive.’
He added that the couple visited some of the burnt out houses in Pasadena and Altadena and spoke to those who had lost their homes.
‘They took the time to meet the people who were affected and spend time. They are just very caring people who are very concerned for their friends and neighbours,’ the Mayor said.
Ms Hirasuna then asked: ‘I saw Meghan Markle stoop down and take the lid off of a plastic bin. Do they want to really get down and dirty?’
Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom has come under increasing pressure from the likes of President-elect Donald Trump for his response to the raging wildfires
US President Joe Biden has chillingly predicting the death toll is likely to rise after he described the terrifying situation as ‘like a war scene’
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen leaving hand-in-hand after handed out meals to survivors
A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025
A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Los Angeles
José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, which is distributing meals to victims of the LA fires, was also seen meeting Meghan and Harry
A plane drops Phos-Chek flame retardant in Mandeville Canyon during the Palisades Fire, LA – January 11, 2025
Meghan Markle speaks with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, center, and Doug Goodwin, who’s home was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, in Altadena
Mayor Gordo replied saying the couple ‘were not here for publicity, they came out here to work’.
He said Harry and Meghan made an earlier appearance at the centre on the same day, during which they were ‘anonymously’ serving food to victims who were unable to recognise the pair with their masks on.
‘We went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view firsthand some of the impacted area and then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and their neighbors,’ the Mayor added.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California‘s First Partner, was also pictured speaking to the couple along with Chef Andrés.
Earlier in the broadcast, Ms Hirasuna described Meghan as ‘Princess Meghan’, which led to some disgruntled viewers to criticise her reporting.
Many took to social media to point out her mistake, clarifying that Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex, rather than a Princess.
Meghan is seen consolling José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, as they made an appearance at the Pasadena Convention Centre on Friday
Fox News anchor Susan Hirasuna (pictured) was slammed online for describing Meghan as ‘Princess Markle’
Earlier in the broadcast, Ms Hirasuna described Meghan as ‘Princess Meghan’, which led to some disgruntled viewers to criticise her reporting.
Many took to social media to point out her mistake, clarifying that Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex, rather than a Princess.
One person YouTube saying: ‘Dear Ma’am, Markel is not a princess. She is a duchess and not allowed to use the title. Just FYI.’
Another commenter added: ‘AGAIN SHES NOT A PRINCESS!!!’, while a third wrote: ‘Stop calling her Princess, that’s not her title!’
Elsewhere on Instagram, users described the coverage as cringe, after Ms Hirasuna also said the couple was ‘hanging out with the commoners’.
One person wrote: ‘Absolute cringeworthy – the newscaster. Princess. Commoners. Geez.’
Another person added: ‘I imagine Harry & Meghan are very moved by the deviation (sic) so close to home. The commentators coverage of this is extremely cringe.’
A third person also criticised Ms Hirasuna for making the ‘rude remark’.
Prince Harry and Meghan live in this $29million mansion in Montecito, California (file photo)
Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, visits a temporary shelter for the victims of the Southern California wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center
Chef Andres, who was among those who spoke to Harry and Meghan, at the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday
People affected by wildfires wait in line for food and aid at the Pasadena Convention Center
A Starbucks worker delivers coffee to a first responder outside a temporary shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center
Social Border Grill delivers fresh fruit as part of World Central Kitchen at a temporary shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center
Harry and Meghan have urged other Los Angeles residents to open up their homes for victims in a statement on their website, Sussex.com, as the wildfires continued to level celebrities’ homes, leaving nothing but ash and rubble.The couple urged: ‘If a friend, loved one or pet has to evacuate and you are able to offer them a safe haven in your home, please do.
‘And be sure to check in with any disabled or elderly neighbors to see if they need help evacuating.’
‘Please consider donating clothing, children’s toys and clothing, and other essentials,’ they said, noting the American Red Cross is on the ground helping those in need.
Harry and Meghan have already done so, according to The Telegraph, and are working with their staff from the Archewell Foundation to identify the most effective ways to support the community.
Donations have also been made to relief efforts through their foundation, which is also looking for opportunities to volunteer.
Thousands of firefighters have been attempting to contain the wind-driven fires in California which have so far killed 11 people, ravaged communities, and sent thousands of people frantically fleeing their properties.
Blustery winds continue to whip across Los Angeles and could still ignite new fires, though they appear to have mellowed somewhat from their highs on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Flames from the Eaton fire in Altadena engulf a home as the huge blaze moves through the area
Flames engulf a structure as the Eaton Fire burns in Pasadena on January 7
Firefighters work to extinguish flames at a McDonald’s in Pasadena on January 7
The ruins of many homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire are seen on January 10
Since the fire broke out in Pacific Palisades, new fires have started further east in Altadena, which forced major evacuations in nearby Pasadena on Tuesday night.
More fires broke out in the Hollywood hills on Wednesday, threatening heavily populated parts of Hollywood.
Stars including Adam Brody and Leighton Meester whose home was destroyed, along with Anna Faris’ mansion.
John Goodman and Anthony Hopkins were left with nothing but rubble after their homes burned, and Billy Crystal and Eugene Levy also lost their houses.
Actor James Woods shared video of the approaching flames shortly before he evacuated ahead of the destruction of his house.
The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag saw their home destroyed in the wildfire, and Spencer was pictured looking somberly at the approaching flames before his family was forced to flee.
The Eaton Fire, which broke out just north of Pasedena, has been one of the most devastating, having claimed the lives of six people and burning more than 7,000 structures.
