Deferential, nervous but gloriously happy! Body language experts reveal what Meghan's body language REALLY says about her first outing with the Queen

  • Meghan Markle, 36, joined the Queen, 92, on their first official joint engagement 
  • Body language experts analysed their interaction to reveal how they felt 
  • Queen was 'delighted' to be with the duchess and was 'confident' in her ability
  • Meanwhile Meghan was initially nervous but remained gracious and deferential 

The world was watching as the Duchess of Sussex stepped out for her first joint engagement with the Queen on Thursday. 

So it is perhaps of little surprise that Meghan, 36, felt a little self-conscious as she arrived in Cheshire with the monarch.

But the initial nerves she showed as she stepped off the train disappeared as the duchess confidently held her own in the spotlight.

Body language experts analysed the royals' interaction as they attended a bridge opening, met with local officials and visited a library. 

Speaking to FEMAIL, they revealed how Meghan appeared deferential, nervous - but above all gloriously happy to be in the monarch's company. 

And the fond feeling was certainly mutual, with the Queen clearly 'delighted' by how Meghan performed.

Initial nerves  

The pair travelled overnight on the royal train for a day of engagements including the opening the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Storyhouse in Chester, arriving at Runcorn on Thursday morning. The Queen exited the train first, with Meghan following closely behind

The pair travelled overnight on the royal train for a day of engagements including the opening the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Storyhouse in Chester, arriving at Runcorn on Thursday morning. The Queen exited the train first, with Meghan following closely behind

Body language expert Robin Kermode said Meghan's posture - the tension in her left hand and standing with both shoulders slightly raised - shows the royal was 'a little nervous'

Body language expert Robin Kermode said Meghan's posture - the tension in her left hand and standing with both shoulders slightly raised - shows the royal was 'a little nervous'

The pair travelled overnight on the royal train for a day of engagements including the opening the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Storyhouse in Chester, arriving at Runcorn on Thursday morning. 

Shortly after stepping off the train, the pair were whisked away by car to the Mersey Gateway Bridge to meet architects, planners and community representatives.  

The Queen exited the train first, with Meghan following closely behind. 

Robin Kermode, body language expert and founder of communication consultancy, Zone2.co.uk, and author of the best selling book Speak So Your Audience Will Listen, said Meghan's physicality shows she was slightly nervous about the day ahead. 

He said: 'A little tension in her left hand with both shoulders slightly raised shows a little nervousness here - a clear desire too get this right. I suspect we would all behave in the same way in this situation.

'Meghan has opted for the clutch bag rather than copying the iconic arm handbag hold of the Queen. Once again, she is aware of how her collar is sitting. 

'This causes a little tension in her right hand and a slight arch of the back. The Queen seems unconcerned with her clothes or how they sit. But, of course, she has had many years too get used to this.'

Deferring to the Queen 

Meghan follows the Queen as they arrive at Storeyhouse in Chester, on Thursday afternoon

Meghan follows the Queen as they arrive at Storeyhouse in Chester, on Thursday afternoon

The Duchess  continued to follow behind the Queen as the royals made their way to the car

The Duchess continued to follow behind the Queen as the royals made their way to the car

Mr Kermode said: 'Meghan is rightly concerned with Royal protocol. She gives the Queen status, of course by hanging back and allowing her to lead' 

Mr Kermode said: 'Meghan is rightly concerned with Royal protocol. She gives the Queen status, of course by hanging back and allowing her to lead' 

Meghan walks behind the Queen as they leave Chester Town Hall following a lunch together

Meghan walks behind the Queen as they leave Chester Town Hall following a lunch together

The Duchess of Sussex continued to follow behind the Queen as the royals made their way to the car. 

A short clip captured by LBC showed a slight moment of confusion over who would climb in the car first.

Mr Kermode said: 'Meghan is rightly concerned with Royal protocol. She gives the Queen status, of course by hanging back and allowing her to lead. 

'She would expect the Queen to get in the car first. The only give away that shows she’s feeling a little nervous is in her shoulders, which were unusually down at the front unlike her usual upright posture. 

'This is a very deferential, kind, pose and quite understandable.'

This continued throughout the day, with the duchess walking behind the Queen and following her down the line of well-wishers as they arrived at a library.  

Gloriously happy 

The Queen and Meghan appeared relaxed in each other's company during an event 

The Queen and Meghan appeared relaxed in each other's company during an event 

The Queen was perfectly poised during the engagement while Meghan had an inner calm

The Queen was perfectly poised during the engagement while Meghan had an inner calm

The monarch, 92, looked 'delighted' to be with Meghan, 36, and was 'clearly completely confident' in her ability to handle the spotlight, an expert revealed

The monarch, 92, looked 'delighted' to be with Meghan, 36, and was 'clearly completely confident' in her ability to handle the spotlight, an expert revealed

The close bond became the Queen and Meghan became apparent when the pair sat down at a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. 

Body language expert Judi James, an industry leader in communication, told how the Queen appeared 'completely confident' in Meghan's ability.

She said: 'The Queen is quite stoic, she didn't make a fuss of Meghan, which can make someone feel anxious. She is clearly completely confident about Meghan's level of confidence.

'They were very relaxed. At one point they were giggling like teenagers together. The Queen looked delighted to be with her.

Judi James, a leading body language and communication expert, told FEMAIL how the Queen demonstrated the same sort of relaxed nature that is usually only witnessed when she watches the Highland Games in Scotland each summer

Judi James, a leading body language and communication expert, told FEMAIL how the Queen demonstrated the same sort of relaxed nature that is usually only witnessed when she watches the Highland Games in Scotland each summer

The Queen and Meghan were spotted smiling and giggling together at the bridge opening

The Queen and Meghan were spotted smiling and giggling together at the bridge opening

Mr Kermode said: 'This a gloriously happy shot. Both women leaning slightly in towards each other. Meghan again holds her head slightly lower than the Queen’s as a mark of respect. This is also shows her high emotional intelligence as it is a very kind, respectful gesture'

Mr Kermode said: 'This a gloriously happy shot. Both women leaning slightly in towards each other. Meghan again holds her head slightly lower than the Queen’s as a mark of respect. This is also shows her high emotional intelligence as it is a very kind, respectful gesture'

'The Queen was doing everything right for her and made her looked like a granddaughter or a friend whom she is very fond of. 

'She was almost identically fun loving and relaxed with her first outing with the Duchess of Cambridge, that's what it reminded me of. It looks as though it really brought out the Queen's fun side.' 

Psychotherapist Toby Ingham added: 'The body language of the Queen and Meghan is warm, friendly, they look to be enjoying the time they are spending together.

'There is formality to the occasion as they step from the train, but the overall tone is relaxed and warm.

'When sitting together they move in towards each other and enjoy a shared joke. The impression of spontaneity and warmth.'

Sharing a private moment 

As Meghan and the Queen chatted through the event, Mr Kermode noted they were like two friends 'sharing a private moment'

As Meghan and the Queen chatted through the event, Mr Kermode noted they were like two friends 'sharing a private moment'

The body language expert noted that the angle of Meghan's knees shows that she is relaxed and at ease in the Queen's company

The body language expert noted that the angle of Meghan's knees shows that she is relaxed and at ease in the Queen's company

As Meghan and the Queen chatted through the event, Mr Kermode noted they were like two friends 'sharing a private moment'. 

He said: 'This is a picture of two friends listening to each other and sharing a private moment in a public arena. Again, both leaning in towards each other, both opting for the relaxed hand position resting on their knees. 

'Meghan again lowering her head, looking up from a lower position - slightly reminiscent of Princess Diana.'

Commenting on a similar photo of the pair together, Mr Kermode continued: 'Meghan again, leaning in with her weight on her left side towards the Queen. Only someone relaxed enough in Her Majesty's company would be able to do this. 

'Both their smiles reach the corners of their upper eyelids showing this is a genuine smile. Great to see.'

'Meghan was missing her wingman'

Meghan Markle, 36, was spotted 'fidgeting' with her hands as she chatted to David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council, at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in the town of Widnes in Halton

Meghan Markle, 36, was spotted 'fidgeting' with her hands as she chatted to David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council, at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in the town of Widnes in Halton

A leading behavioural expert revealed Meghan's body language suggests she might have been a 'bit bored' of what the man was saying. Pictured, Meghan plays with her earring

A leading behavioural expert revealed Meghan's body language suggests she might have been a 'bit bored' of what the man was saying. Pictured, Meghan plays with her earring

Meghan was seen brushing the hair from the left side of her face as the man spoke to her

Meghan was seen brushing the hair from the left side of her face as the man spoke to her

During the bridge opening ceremony, the Duchess of Sussex was seen fidgeting with her outfit and hair in a rare lapse of poise. 

Ms James said: 'Meghan is normally so confident with her body language so it was endearing to see her looking less assured with the Queen. 

'I think partly she might have been missing Harry because a lot of body language rituals with him are quite reassuring. She was missing her wingman.

However Mr Ingham offered a different take on Meghan's 'fidgeting' while she was seated next to the Queen, noting it might have been a sign that she was bored of a conversation.

The newlywed kept playing with her hair, a possible sign that she might be losing interest 

The newlywed kept playing with her hair, a possible sign that she might be losing interest 

The duchess eventually decided on having her hands clasped elegantly on the side of her lap

The duchess eventually decided on having her hands clasped elegantly on the side of her lap

The royal later held her black clutch bag in her lap as she watched the bridge opening

The royal later held her black clutch bag in her lap as she watched the bridge opening

Join the royal fold in a chic cape dress like the Duchess of Sussex in Givenchy

What does one wear for a joint engagement with the Queen?

It's not a dilemma the rest of us face on a daily basis, but it's a decision the new Duchess of Sussex had to make ahead of her visit to Cheshire today!

Following on from her Carolina Herrera look at Trooping the Color last weekend, the newlywed got it spot on by choosing Givenchy, the designer label that was of course behind her bridal gown.

We love the elegant simplicity of the nude hue and pencil fit, but it's the layered cape detail that takes this look to another level. When teamed with a black belt, clutch bag and heels by Sarah Flint, she perfectly complements the Queen in lime green Stewart Parvin.

It's a custom made design so isn't available, but click (right) to buy something similar.

Or check out the Meghan-inspired styles we've found below that will have you feeling like royalty.

* PRICES MAY NOT BE AS ADVERTISED

The newlywed appeared uncertain of what to do with her hands as she chatted to the David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council, at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire. 

Explaining the behaviour, he said: 'It appears that the man on Meghan's right is the cause of her fidgetiness. 

'It looks like she is rather distracted by his interest, information and conversation than anything to do with the Queen. 

The new Duchess of Sussex was all smiles as she arrived in Cheshire for her first join engagement with the Queen
The former actress was solicitous over the Her Majesty and kept a watchful eye on the monarch as she followed her lead

The new Duchess of Sussex was all smiles as she arrived in Cheshire for her first join engagement with the Queen. The former actress was solicitous over the Her Majesty and kept a watchful eye on the monarch as she followed her lead 

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex receive flowers from local schoolchildren following their visit to the Storyhouse Chester

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex receive flowers from local schoolchildren following their visit to the Storyhouse Chester

Firm friends! The Queen looked in great spirits as she began her day out with Harry's new wife
The pair showed their lighthearted bond as they laughed together during an opening ceremony for the new Mersey Gateway Bridge

Firm friends! The Queen looked in great spirits as she began her day out with Harry's new wife and the pair showed their lighthearted bond as they laughed together during an opening ceremony for the new Mersey Gateway Bridge

Today will offer Meghan the opportunity to learn from the Queen who has been on the throne for 66 years and has conducted tens of thousands of public engagements

Today will offer Meghan the opportunity to learn from the Queen who has been on the throne for 66 years and has conducted tens of thousands of public engagements

'Possibly she is bit bored by the conversation or attention. She appears very polite and responds attentively and initially smiles. 

'Her facial expressions are enthusiastic, but then it appears her concentration and interest fades. She is distracted by where to place her bag. Her busy fidgety hands may be giving away this lack of interest. 

'I think Meghan will be pleased to have been given the honour of travelling with the Queen to the function, but at this point of the event she is distanced and separated from the Queen and caught up in the protocols of the event.'  

The Queen and the duchess carried out a number of engagements today, including watching a performance by local school children called Bringing Communities Together: Halton's river crossings over the ages before the Queen unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the bridge.

The Queen and the Duchess visited the Storyhouse library in Chester where they mingled with locals

The Queen and the Duchess visited the Storyhouse library in Chester where they mingled with locals

The Duchess of Sussex looked delighted as she was presented with a post of flowers by a local schoolgirl
The former Suits actress teamed her cream Givenchy dress with black heels and a smart black handbag

The former Suits actress teamed her cream Givenchy dress with black heels and a smart black handbag(left). The former Suits actress teamed her cream Givenchy dress with black heels and a smart black handbag (right)

The Queen and the Duchess also visited Storyhouse in Chester, where they will be taken on a tour of the building to visit the children's library, stopping to meet a Syrian settlement group engaged in craft work.

The Royal party later watched a performance by 'Fallen Angels', a dance theatre company for people in recovery from addiction, before moving to the theatre to see a medley of songs from Storyhouse's latest production, 'A Little Night Music.'  

The Queen and The Duchess will also stopped off at Chester Town Hall where they attended a lunch as guests of Chester City Council, which will mark the conclusion of their visit to Cheshire.

The Queen and Meghan arriving at the Storyhouse Centre in Chester where they will be taken on a tour of the building before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening

The Queen and Meghan arriving at the Storyhouse Centre in Chester where they will be taken on a tour of the building before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening

Royal visitors! Youngsters were treated to a drop in from some very esteemed guests in the form of Meghan and the Queen

Royal visitors! Youngsters were treated to a drop in from some very esteemed guests in the form of Meghan and the Queen

How old is the Royal Train?

At over 150 years old, the Royal Train is the only private, non-commercial train service catering to one family still in operation in the UK.

The train came into existence during the reign of Queen Victoria who was the first reigning sovereign to make a train journey when she travelled from Slough to Paddington, London, on June 13, 1842.

In 1869 she commissioned a special pair of coaches at a cost of £1,800: a considerable sum in those days. Victoria remains to this day the only monarch to have paid with her own money for Royal carriages to be built.

When her son succeeded to the throne as Edward VII, he ordered a completely new Royal Train in the second year of his reign, 1902, with the instructions that 'it is to be as much like the Royal Yacht as possible'.

Royal sleepover! The monarch has invited Meghan to accompany her for a day of engagements on Thursday and the pair will travel together on board the Royal Train (pictured)

Royal sleepover! The monarch has invited Meghan to accompany her for a day of engagements on Thursday and the pair will travel together on board the Royal Train (pictured)

The interior had bedrooms, dressing rooms, day rooms and a smoking room. It boasted three-speed electric fans, electric radiators and cookers and even an electric cigar lighter.

The King's favourite was his smoking room, which was manned by two liveried footmen, one just to light His Majesty's cigars and the other to adjust the curtains and windows in case the sunlight was too strong, or fresh air was required.

His son and successor, George V, had the distinction of installing the first bath on a train anywhere in the world.

While Queen Victoria's was the first train in the world to have a lavatory installed on board - in 1850, at the suggestion of Prince Albert - only the Prince Consort used it in the early days of Royal progress. 

Members of the entourage who invariably accompanied the Queen had to wait until the train stopped and then use public lavatories.

While the train is fitted with several sleeper carriages the locomotive never travels through the night, instead making stops at secret locations away from the mainline so that the royal passengers can sleep uninterrupted.

The overnight stops are usually made about an hour's travelling time from the final destination. 

This means the Royals are able to rise, bathe, dress, have a leisurely breakfast and then be briefed by their private secretary on the day's programme as the train completes its journey. Arrivals are usually timed so that they do not disrupt any normal rail schedules.

The appearance of the Queen's current saloon is a long way from the velvet interiors and plush furnishings of carriages of the Victorian era.

Today the carriages are fitted with far simpler furnishings with a light wood cladding and each window fitted with a pair of drapes to ensure the utmost privacy. 

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Meghan Markle nervous with Queen according to body language expert

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