Body language experts share verdict on official royal wedding photos
Today, Kensington Palace released three official photographs from Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding on Saturday, May 19.
The photos, taken by Alexi Lubomirski, were shot in Windsor Castle with the Queen and other members of the royal family.
Body language expert Judi James told MailOnline that the photos revealed a lot about the newlywed’s adoration for one another, Prince William’s status, the Queen’s excitement and Meghan’s bond with her mother.
The couple photo
Ms James described the photo of Meghan sitting between Prince Harry’s legs on the steps of Windsor Castle as the most romantic royal wedding portrait.
“The black and white shot is pure Hollywood romance, and very much like the engagement shot,” she said.
“It is very sexy and flirty, she is sitting between his legs on the step below him. They clearly adore one another and it looks like a luxury perfume advert.
“It is perfect and the most romantic wedding shot we’ve ever seen.
“It definitely sets the tone for them to be going on and doing their work around the world, they are a Hollywood A-list couple and this picture puts them in that league.”
Body language expert Robin Kermode said the stunning photo showed how “genuinely happy” the couple are.
“This is the Harry we know and love. Open smile, shoulders with his head tilted to one side and his left arm gently on Meghan's arm.
“This is a picture of complete relaxation and genuine happiness. Once again Meghan looks relaxed calm and deliriously happy.
“Both of them calm, relaxed and genuinely happy. The smiles are completely congruence reaching the corners of the other islands.
“Her wrists are relaxed – always a sign of complete calm. Also we should remember how much pressure they have both been under during the day and this is a photograph of genuine relaxation and happiness at the end of a very public day.
“Once again a very private moment.”
The family photo
Ms James said that formal family photo, featuring the Queen and Meghan’s mother, is surprisingly very traditional in contrast to the modern ceremony.
“I was actually quite surprised because we have just watched a wedding that was very different – everything about it was informal, producing some change in the formality and the proceedings of the royal family,” she said.
“But these two group pictures are very traditional, more so than some of the previous more jokey ones we’ve seen with Kate and William and Charles and Diana, where they had lighthearted and spontaneous shots.
“We’ve got Meghan and Harry almost standing to attention in one shot.
“Harry is however throwing a big grin and while everyone else has got beautiful and natural congruent smiles, they remain in the realm of formality.”
Ms James also highlighted the noticeable bond between Meghan and her mum, Doria Ragland.
“Meghan’s torso is turned towards her mother who is very close to her in the picture. They are a close double act which is so good to see.
“A lot of people were very worried her mother was sitting alone and isolated in the service so it is very tangible that her mother is important here.
“William is towering above everyone else and is very dominant and though Charles is due to take over, he has an endearing sheepish grin on his face and William seems to have a higher level of status.
“It is great to see the Queen and Philip grinning. She didn’t smile much during the service, and she doesn’t smile in church but you can see the delight on her face.
“Despite his recent operation, Phil has just adopted a dashing, manly pose which is really good to see.
“Meghan and her mother are looking very much in sync, both calm and serene,” Mr Kermode added.
“One can cannot overestimate the grace with which Meghan's mother has been over the last two days. Her body language is calm and confident at all times.
“Harry once again beaming here a genuine smile. The Queen looks genuinely happy and relaxed as do Charles, Camilla and Philip.”
The bridesmaid and page boy photo
The final photo shows Prince Harry and Meghan surrounded by their adorable page boys and bridesmaids.
Ms James said: “In the other shot with the children, I am surprised that Meghan is at her husband’s feet very quickly after she walked in to the church by herself. She’s down at the feet of the man she loves, though it is slightly submissive.
“He is looking slightly Victorian and with the groom behind her we’ve gone back in history a bit.
“But he is sporting the naughtiest grin – he looks like one of the page boys, which balances that.
“Here, the children have stolen the scene just as they did at the wedding.”