Meghan Markle was overcome with emotion this past weekend as she attended a charity event honouring the late son of one of her closest friends in Los Angeles.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, joined husband Prince Harry at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament, an event organised by Kelly McKee Zajfen and her husband Julian in honour of their son George, who tragically died in 2022 at the age of just nine from COVID and viral meningitis.
Meghan, dressed elegantly in a white halterneck Carolina Herrera dress, stood quietly among the guests, listening as George’s parents delivered a moving speech.
As the tribute unfolded, Meghan was captured gently dabbing tears from her eyes while Prince Harry stood protectively behind her.
Meghan Markle attends charity event with Prince Harry
The duchess’ visibly emotional response sparked widespread discussion online. It was her body language that drew the most attention.
Body language expert Judi James, speaking to Express US, weighed in on the emotional moment. She said Meghan’s behaviour was consistent with someone genuinely moved by grief, especially considering the context of the event and her closeness to the family.
“This was clearly a very sad memorial speech that might have produced tears from anyone listening. Especially close friends of the host like Harry and Meghan,” she explained.
Judi described how Meghan stood with her handbag slightly swinging, a possible sign of rising emotion. She also used a single fingertip to dab away tears. According to the expert, this type of subtle, composed crying is more in line with traditional royal conduct.
“The elegant, one-touch dabbing of ‘overspill’ tears is much more appropriate in public where being overcome by emotions might not be appropriate,” she said.
She also pointed out Harry’s supportive stance behind Meghan, calling it a subtle yet clear display of unity.
Judi said Harry seemed to take on the “role of support and back-up for his wife here”. Meanwhile, Meghan “presents a more public image of emotions they presumably share”.
‘Performing’ suggestions branded ‘invalid’
Despite the nature of the event, Meghan’s emotional response became the target of online criticism.
A clip of the duchess wiping her tears, while a photographer was visible in the foreground, sparked accusations that her reaction was staged.
One Twitter user commented: “Just how Meghan likes it. A photographer and the partner behind.”
Others chimed in, calling her “phony” and suggesting she waited for the camera to focus before reacting.
Which might make the claims that she is somehow ‘performing’ invalid.
However, Judi strongly refuted these claims. She noted that Meghan appeared to begin wiping her tears after the photographer had turned away from her, making it clear the moment wasn’t manufactured for attention.
“A lot might depend on the presence of the photographer that we can see with his lens fixed on Meghan’s face. But Meghan does appear to do the dabbing once he has turned his lens off her,” Judi observed. “Which might make the claims that she is somehow ‘performing’ invalid.”
Following the event, Meghan posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
“Proudly supporting the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament,” she wrote alongside photos of her hugging Kelly.
Another touching snap showed the Zajfens’ daughter Lily embracing Harry. The photo was captioned: “Our other favorite Lily,” in a sweet nod to their own daughter, Princess Lilibet.
Read more: Meghan Markle enjoys star-studded dinner in Los Angeles as friend shares intimate photos
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