Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Look of Love Sparks Debate

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interactions during an appearance in support of veterans have gone viral on TikTok.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the opening of the Warrior Fitness Program's new West Coast Facility, in downtown San Diego, on November 8.

Over the summer they were the subject of unfounded divorce rumors which they mostly quashed with a series of affection-filled public appearances, including the Invictus Games in September.

Prince Harry Smiles Alongside Meghan Markle
Prince Harry smiles broadly during a visit to help open the Warrior Fitness Program's new West Coast Facility, in San Diego, on November 8. Social media users suggested Harry looked glum during the visit. Matt Sayles for The Archewell Foundation

However, on social media, body language theories have continued to attract audience among critics of the couple.

A TikTok video went viral after being posted with the message: "#PrinceHarry looks glum as #MeghanMarkle beams in first public outing since birthday row."

The visit came shortly after the Sussexes hit back at U.K. broadsheet The Sunday Times for suggesting Harry had snubbed an invitation to King Charles III's 75th birthday. Their spokesperson said they had not received an invitation.

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#PrinceHarry looks glum as #MeghanMarkle beams in first public outing since birthday row #royalfamily #star2810

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Comments on the TikTok video, in which Harry was not smiling, appeared to strike a sarcastic tone, with one reading: "He can't contain the happiness, love and excitement."

Another said, "yes he's living the dream it's written all over his face..... definitely in love" while a third wrote: "He is a bundel of joy!!"

A fourth said: "Omg the look of Harry, he just wanted to get out there."

However, other footage from the day also showed Harry full of smiles as he talked to dignitaries at the event.

One TikTok user sought to blame his expression on "the racist, bigoted media" who "think exactly the way you think. And people u follow only post negativity about HM." And in "many pics," they added, he was smiling.

Judi James, a prominent U.K.-based body language expert, told the Daily Express: "Meghan seems to make this look like a solo appearance, walking ahead of Harry and posing directly in the spotlight rather than standing next to him, using what looks rather like over-compensatory rituals.

"Throwing beaming smiles and signals of enthusiasm that appear to cover for the fact that Harry looks more low-key and anxious."

Meanwhile, the visit itself remained focused on the support the state-of-the-art facility was offering veterans.

Harry said: "The holistic, whole person approach that Naval Special Warfare takes in supporting active-duty service members and veterans is unparalleled.

"When veterans walk through these doors, not only will they have the tools to heal their bodies, but also the resources to heal their minds."

Robin King, chief executive of the Navy Seal Foundation, said: "The opening of this state-of-the-art facility addresses the increasing need for specialized support of Naval Special Warfare personnel and veterans in transitioning back to civilian life following their service.

"Providing warriors with physical and mental fitness support is paramount in the Warrior Fitness Program.

"We are proud to have the presence of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex for the facility's opening, and we thank them for their leadership and advocacy of veteran mental health.

"We are grateful to our partners and generous donors who have made the creation of this facility possible and the impact it will have for Naval Special Warfare personnel and their families."

Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on Twitter at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.

Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.

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About the writer


Jack Royston is Newsweek's Chief Royal Correspondent based in London, U.K. He reports on the British royal family—including King Charles ... Read more

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