Moment Prince William acted as ‘human shield’ between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle at royal event
Aresurfaced moment from 2018 has shed light on the reported tension between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, and Prince William’s quiet act of protection for his wife.
During a royal event at Westminster Abbey marking 100 years of the Royal Air Force, body language expert Judi James claims Prince William “strategically” stepped between Kate and Meghan, serving as what she describes as a “human shield”, in what may have been a telling sign of a brewing rift within the royal family.
Prince William acts as ‘human shield’ between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle
“With the benefit of hindsight, now that we know about the tricky relationship between Meghan and Kate, this looks very much like a devoted and protective husband strategically and very pointedly stepping between his wife and her nemesis,” Judi told the Daily Mail. “William’s body language shows he is clearly aware that Harry and Meghan have honed into position behind him. He immediately ducks his head to move to stand next to his wife, even sucking his lips inward in what is often a signal of regret.”
The moment unfolded just months after Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry, and the infamous bridesmaid dress row with Kate.
While Judi suggests the 2018 moment hinted at underlying conflict, she also offered an alternative explanation.
She suggested that William may have been trying to avoid turning his back on Meghan altogether as a newcomer to the family.
“There is a spatial gap between William and Meghan that doesn’t really show at this angle,” she explained.
This looks very much like a devoted and protective husband.
She suggested his movement may have simply been a polite adjustment, the kind people often make to include someone new in a group.
Judi said: “It is conceivable that William was being polite to Meghan. It is equally conceivable that he might turn himself into something of a buffer between the two women as he did so if he was aware of any friction.”
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s relationship
The royal family was out in full force that day, including Queen Elizabeth II, who led the national celebration and flypast.
But eagle-eyed observers have since analysed the Abbey moment as an early indication that all was not well between the so-called “Fab Four”.
The awkward dynamic was only intensified by later reports of conflict.
This included differing accounts of who made whom cry in the lead-up to Harry and Meghan’s wedding.
It was originally reported, months after Harry and Meghan’s wedding, that she had made Kate cry in the lead-up to the big day over daughter Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress not fitting.
However, Meghan said in her and Harry’s interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that it was Kate who made her cry. She claimed that Kate apologised and brought her flowers.
