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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Rosaleen Fenton

Prince Harry 'felt under pressure' on previous trip to UK amid royal row

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will visit the UK next month - but may face a dramatic reunion with Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are travelling from their home in California to support 'several charities close to their hearts'.

The brothers have been on poor terms, with Prince Harry previously telling Oprah Winfrey their relationship is now just ‘space.’

Speaking to Oprah alongside his wife in the bombshell interview, Harry said: "The relationship is 'space' at the moment. Time heals all things, hopefully.’

The pair both attended an unveiling of a statue of their late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales last summer, and the Remembrance service at St Paul's during the Platinum Jubilee.

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Body language expert Darren Stanton has now analysed the couple's appearance at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Darren reveals Harry 'felt under pressure' and was concerned about the scrutiny he and Meghan would face.

The couple were barely visible during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee as they kept a low profile.

They did attend the Queen's thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday, where it was 'business as usual' for 'confident' Meghan, says Darren

He said: "Meghan’s body language throughout her time in the Royal family has remained pretty consistent all the way through various ups and downs she and Harry have had.

"Arriving back in the UK to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and to reunite with the Royal family, Meghan proved she hasn’t been fazed by past criticism.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leaving St Paul's Cathedral last week (Getty Images)

"She showed no signs of anxiety, for her it was very much business as usual, and her trademark confidence was consistently present.

"When in front of the public, like at the Thanksgiving service held over the jubilee weekend, Meghan was pictured smiling and waving, making sure to interact with the gathered crowds.”

The reunion of Harry and the Duke of Cambridge proved elusive with the Sussexes sat in the second row, far across the aisle from the duke’s father, brother and sister in law Kate.

It was the first time that the couple were on full public view alongside the Cambridge's since they quit the monarchy for a new life in the US two years ago.

Meghan could be seen placing a protective hand on Harry's back during the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations (Getty Images)

Their relegated seats were a telling sign of their change in status -as working royals filled the front-row chairs - and it prompted a 'shift in emotion' for Harry, says Darren.

He said: "Harry’s body language, however, is drastically different too that of Meghan’s and we often see a shift in emotion in him when he is in the presence of the public and press.

"He bows his head, a gesture of anxiousness and his face reddens. At the time, it was his and Meghan’s first appearance in the UK since their decision to permanently move to Los Angeles and its clear Harry was concerned about the scrutiny the couple would face.

"His body position and gestures while in the spotlight suggested he felt under pressure and uncomfortable at times, despite the Royal family appearing to embrace Harry and Meghan’s return.”

And Meghan could be seen reassuring her husband when he felt uneasy, with a lipreader previously capturing the sweet reassurance she gave him.

Darren added: "Harry wasn’t smiling as much as Meghan when pictured out and about and he appeared to lack the same confidence Meghan was happy to portray.

"Much more reserved, Harry’s appearance suggested he was experiencing a very different internal emotion to that of happiness. He often looked too Meghan for reassurance - a common occurrence we have seen with the couple while attending public engagements.

“It will be interesting to see whether Harry feels more at ease when he returns to the UK next month, following the warm reception he received both from fellow Royals and the British public in June or whether he still has worries about being back on home soil.

"Meghan, however, plays a huge part in boosting his confidence and will no doubt be on hand to offer a supporting hand to Harry at times when his nerves may get the better of him.”

A spokesman for the couple said: " Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to visit with several charities close to their hearts in early September."

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