eghan Markle’s awkward interaction with Drew Barrymore analyzed by body language expert
A body language expert analyzes Markle’s distant reaction to Drew Barrymore’s embrace during their latest interview.
Courtesy: The Drew Barrymore Show
Meghan Markle’s interaction with Drew Barrymore has sparked online discussion after a body language expert analyzed the Duchess of Sussex’s seemingly reserved demeanor.
The 43-year-old former royal, whose new Netflix series With Love, Meghan has faced criticism, was seen in an awkward embrace with the 50-year-old talk show host during an upcoming episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, set to air on Thursday.
Body language expert Judi James exclusively told DailyMail.com that Markle’s reaction to Barrymore’s famously tactile approach was noticeably restrained. “This is a rare pose from Meghan who is normally the first one to move in with the hugs to register the warm, spontaneously tactile side that was apparently met with a tsunami of ice water from the royal firm back in the UK,” James noted.
She continued, “She has clearly met her match in Drew, whose tactile behaviors on her chat show are a signature part of the brand. But it seems from this pose that what you get when you put two famously hugging women together is that one will bow out, namely Meghan in this case.”
In the photo, Meghan maintains a straight, formal posture, keeping one hand in her pocket while Barrymore wraps both arms around her in what James describes as a “partial koala embrace.” While Barrymore tilts her head warmly toward Markle, the Duchess directs her attention to the camera instead.
Further images from the interview suggest Meghan was wary of Barrymore’s affectionate nature throughout their chat. As the two sat together, Barrymore leaned in, while Markle kept both hands up in what James describes as a “subtle barrier ritual.”
James explained, “Drew’s angle of lean as she sits on her sofa with Meghan suggests she’s poised to move in for some tactile rituals as they chat. Meghan holds both hands up in front of her body though, with hands curled into fists in what looks like a subtle barrier ritual.”
She added that Meghan’s facial expressions indicate unease, pointing out that her brows are “steepled in a suggestion of wariness” and that she “performs a small cut-off ritual by bringing her hand up to touch her hair and cover part of her face.”
Meanwhile, Barrymore appeared undeterred, maintaining a “loving eye-gaze” toward Markle. James observed, “Meghan seems intent on staying in her own ‘love bubble’ rather than connecting totally with Drew.”
While her body language is being dissected, Meghan’s latest Netflix project has also been under scrutiny. With Love, Meghan has received harsh reviews, earning a mere 11% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics have slammed the show as “gormless lifestyle filler” and “a Montecito ego trip not worth taking.” Variety described the series as a platform where Meghan’s guests are expected to “praise her first” before engaging in conversation.
One unimpressed viewer wrote, “This isn’t even a fun hate watch. It’s just bad.” Another reviewer claimed, “Watching With Love was the worst few minutes of my life.” IMDb ratings haven’t been any kinder, with the series scoring a low 2.6/10 based on over 1,000 reviews.
Despite the criticism, Meghan remains focused on her brand’s message of love and connection. During her chat with Barrymore, she shared a heartwarming story about her relationship with Prince Harry, revealing the vow he made to her early in their romance. She recalled, “I told H that when we started dating, he goes, ‘I vow to always date you.’”
