Meghan Markle’s recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show has sparked a lot of interest, not just because of the duchess’s rare TV interview, but also due to the intriguing dynamics between the two women. According to body language expert Judi James, Markle seemed uncomfortable with Barrymore’s overly touchy behavior, which is a notable departure from Markle’s usual warm and affectionate demeanor. James analyzed several moments from the interview, including photos and interactions, to break down the subtle cues that revealed Markle’s unease with Barrymore’s tactile nature.
One of the key moments James pointed out was a photo of Markle and Barrymore posing together in front of the show’s white couch. Normally, Markle is known for her spontaneous and tactile approach, often being the first to initiate hugs or displays of affection—a trait that was reportedly met with resistance during her time with the royal family in the UK. However, in this case, the tables seemed to have turned. James described Markle’s stance in the photo as “straight, polite, and more regal-looking,” while Barrymore wrapped her arms around Markle in a “partial koala embrace,” tilting her head to nestle against Markle’s hair. This contrast in body language suggests that Markle, who is usually comfortable with physical affection, was less reciprocative of Barrymore’s gestures. Markle’s hand remained in her pocket, and she directed her smile at the camera rather than engaging fully with her host. This subtle distance could indicate that Markle was mirroring the kind of reserved response she had previously encountered from the UK royals, as if she were navigating a situation where overly tactile behavior might not be well-received.
Another telling moment came during a candid photo of Markle and Barrymore sitting on the couch together, engaged in conversation. According to James, Markle’s body language suggested a sense of emotional distance. She noted that Markle had both hands up in front of her body, with her fists subtly curled, creating what James referred to as a “barrier ritual.” While this could have been a way for Markle to emphasize a point she was making, it also seemed to signal that she was not entirely open to physical contact or affection from Barrymore. Meanwhile, Barrymore’s posture indicated that she was leaning in, ready to engage in her signature tactile gestures. The contrast between the two women’s behaviors highlights the tension between Barrymore’s warm, overly affectionate nature and Markle’s more reserved demeanor during the interaction.
Despite her apparent discomfort, there was a moment where Markle did touch Barrymore—a rare and subtle gesture that caught James’s attention. At one point, Markle rested her hand on Barrymore’s arm as Barrymore’s dog relaxed between them. However, even this gesture was interpreted as more of a polite restraint than a genuine display of affection. James noted that Markle’s expression—specifically her steepled brows—suggested wariness, indicating that her touch was a way to maintain boundaries rather than express closeness. This nuanced moment underscores the complexity of Markle’s body language, which seemed to balance politeness with a desire to keep her distance.
The dynamic between Markle and Barrymore has been particularly interesting given the context of Markle’s new Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, which has received harsh reviews from UK critics. Markle’s appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show was part of her efforts to promote the series, and it’s clear that she approached the interview with a mix of professionalism and cautiousness. Barrymore, on the other hand, seemed determined to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, even going so far as to address Markle by her Sussex surname—an apparent nod to Markle’s preference, as seen in a scene from her Netflix series where she corrected Mindy Kaling for using her first name.
Overall, the interaction between Markle and Barrymore offers a fascinating glimpse into the subtleties of body language and how people navigate interpersonal dynamics, especially in high-profile settings. While Barrymore’s tactile nature is a hallmark of her show’s friendly and affectionate vibe, Markle’s more reserved behavior reflects her own unique approach to engagement—one that seems to blend politeness with a sense of emotional distance. Whether this dynamic was intentional or simply a mismatch of personalities, it adds another layer of intrigue to Markle’s rare public appearances and her ongoing efforts to carve out her post-royal identity.
