Loud cheers erupted in Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium as the cameras focused on a beaming Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the opening ceremony of this year’s Invictus Games. A body language expert has now analyzed their interactions, highlighting Meghan’s intriguing “seal claps” and other revealing gestures.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the star-studded ceremony, which featured performances by Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014, is a cause deeply personal to him, championing wounded, injured, and sick service personnel. Meghan, 43, radiated pride as she cheered for her husband, dancing along with the audience and celebrating his passion for the event.
Meghan as Harry’s Biggest Supporter
Body language expert Judi James shared insights with The Mirror, pointing out how Meghan’s actions reflected her role as Harry’s ultimate cheerleader.
“When Meghan picked up two big blue pom-poms and waved them above her head, it was a fitting, symbolic gesture,” Judi explained. “Her body language throughout the Games has clearly positioned her as Harry’s number one fan, directing the crowd’s energy and affection toward him.”
Judi also noted Meghan’s efforts to build anticipation around Harry’s presence, referencing her speech in which she told the audience, “You will see him throughout the week, you will see him at the Games.” Her affectionate gestures further emphasized her admiration, from clinging to Harry’s arm in excitement to gazing at him with pride as he was mentioned on stage.
According to Judi, Meghan’s gestures were almost maternal at times. While Harry sat with a bashful smile or playfully gave a double thumbs-up during Chris Martin’s banter, Meghan responded with puckered smiles of pride and enthusiastic “seal claps”—a style of clapping with palms facing upward, signaling recognition and praise.
She also frequently touched Harry’s face, at one point stroking the back of his neck and later cupping his face in both hands before kissing him as he went up on stage, a gesture that seemed to present him as her hero.
A Proud Wife Capturing the Moment
Judi further observed Meghan’s relatable side, as she filmed Harry enjoying the performances beside her, just like any other excited wife in the audience. This aligns with the more down-to-earth version of Meghan seen in recent social media posts—simply a loving spouse, proud of her husband’s accomplishments.
The Invictus Games, marking its first-ever winter edition, runs from February 8 to 16 in Vancouver-Whistler, Canada. During a welcome reception the night before the opening, Meghan spoke warmly about Harry’s dedication to the Games, emphasizing how much it means to him.
“You will see him throughout this week, you will see him at the Games, you will see him probably curling with you, cheering you on. He wants to be there with you, he is in it with you,” she said.
She also shared a glimpse of their family life, describing how Harry juggles fatherhood with his work on Invictus. “What you won’t have seen is all of the moments in the lead-up to these Games… the big rush in the morning, getting ready for school, packing lunch boxes, and making breakfast. And then he’ll be on his phone, and Archie will say, ‘Papa, why are you on your phone?’ He’s like, ‘Because it’s Invictus… I’m getting ready for Invictus.’ It means so much to him.”
Despite the ongoing public scrutiny, Meghan and Harry’s affectionate interactions at the Invictus Games suggest they are standing strong together, celebrating a cause that remains deeply important to them.
