WATCH VIDEO : “The Markle Claw" - Meghan Markle’s Secret Grip on Prince Harry’s Public Life Busted !

In the ever-scrutinized world of royal appearances, every gesture, glance, and touch is dissected with forensic precision. Few couples have faced as much public fascination—and criticism—as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Among the myriad observations about their behavior, one phenomenon has gripped tabloids, social media, and body language enthusiasts alike: the so-called “Markle Claw.” This term, coined by online commentators and amplified by media outlets, refers to Meghan’s frequent habit of placing her hand on Prince Harry’s arm, back, or hand during public appearances. Critics argue it’s a calculated gesture of control, a subtle but deliberate way to steer the prince, both literally and figuratively. But is there more to this narrative than meets the eye? This article dives deep into the “Markle Claw,” exploring how and why Meghan’s tactile gestures have sparked such intense debate—and why they may reveal more about her strength and their partnership than about domination.

The Origins of the “Markle Claw” Narrative

The term “Markle Claw” first gained traction on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, where amateur body language analysts and royal watchers began dissecting Meghan’s physical interactions with Harry. A 2022 Newsweek article reported on a viral TikTok video, viewed over 24.9 million times, that highlighted Meghan’s hand placement on Harry’s arm or back, dubbing it the “Markle Claw” and suggesting it was a tool to maneuver him out of the spotlight. The narrative quickly snowballed, with posts on Reddit’s r/SaintMeghanMarkle subreddit describing Meghan’s touch as a “double clutch” or “gesture of ownership,” implying a desire to control or overshadow her husband.[](https://www.newsweek.com/meghan-markle-prince-harry-body-language-claims-go-viral-tiktok-claw-controlling-1755668)[](https://www.reddit.com/r/SaintMeghanMarkle/comments/1fm6jya/analysis_of_the_claw_the_real_reason_why_meghan/)

Body language expert Judi James, frequently quoted in outlets like the Daily Mail, has fueled this narrative, describing Meghan’s gestures as a “double clutch” that signals possession or a need to keep Harry close. She notes that Meghan’s hand on Harry’s knee or thigh during events like the ESPY Awards or Invictus Games is a “sensual” move that “stamps” him with ownership. Similarly, Jesús Enrique Rosas, a self-styled “Body Language Guy” on YouTube, has analyzed moments where Meghan’s hand appears to interrupt Harry’s interactions, suggesting it’s a controlling tactic. These interpretations have been amplified by tabloids like The News and Geo.tv, which frame Meghan’s actions as a mix of insecurity and dominance.[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-13834381/the-real-reason-why-meghan-markle-is-hands-on-with-prince-harry-duchesss-double-clutch-is-a-gesture-of-ownership-body-language-expert-says.html)[](https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1643155/Meghan-Markle-body-language-hand-clingy-Prince-Harry-UN-Speech-video)[](https://www.geo.tv/latest/414348-how-meghan-markle-controls-prince-harry-with-the-meghan-claw-expert)

A Critical Look at the “Control” Narrative

At first glance, the “Markle Claw” narrative fits neatly into a broader media portrayal of Meghan as a domineering figure in the Sussexes’ marriage. Critics point to moments like the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where Meghan reportedly walked ahead of Harry, prompting body language experts to claim she was breaking royal protocol and asserting dominance. Others cite a 2025 TIME100 Summit moment where Meghan appeared to ignore Harry’s outstretched hand, leaving him to “lurk” behind her, as Judi James described. These incidents are often framed as evidence of Meghan steering Harry, both physically and in their public narrative, reinforcing the idea that she’s the puppet master behind his decisions.[](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/meghan-markle-walk-broke-royal-205509679.html)[](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/meghan-markle-misses-prince-harrys-013043226.html)

However, this interpretation warrants scrutiny. The “control” narrative relies heavily on selective footage and subjective interpretations, often ignoring context. For instance, Meghan’s hand placement could be seen as a natural expression of affection or support, especially in high-pressure public settings. The couple’s frequent hand-holding, criticized as “inappropriate” during somber events like Queen Elizabeth II’s memorial service in 2022, was also observed in other royal couples like Zara and Mike Tindall, yet only Harry and Meghan faced backlash. This double standard suggests a bias that colors how Meghan’s actions are perceived, often tinged with racial and gendered undertones. As one X user noted, “The abuse and double standard inflicted on Meghan is disgraceful.”[](https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-meghan-markle-hands-zara-b2168278.html)[](https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-meghan-markle-hands-zara-b2168278.html)

Moreover, the “Markle Claw” narrative overlooks the dynamics of their partnership. Harry, a former army captain and lifelong royal, is hardly a passive figure. His memoir *Spare* and interviews reveal a man who has made deliberate choices, from stepping back from royal duties to prioritizing his mental health and family. To reduce his actions to Meghan’s supposed control dismisses his agency and paints an overly simplistic picture of their relationship. Meghan’s tactile gestures could instead reflect a mutual reliance, a way to navigate the intense scrutiny they face as a couple who’ve broken from royal tradition.

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 Cultural and Psychological Context

Meghan’s physicality must also be viewed through a cultural lens. As an American actress accustomed to Hollywood’s expressive norms, her tactile behavior contrasts with the British royal family’s reserved demeanor. Body language expert Adam Lyons, quoted in Express.co.uk, suggests Meghan’s hand-holding is a way to seek reassurance from Harry in social settings where she feels sidelined by media focus on him. This aligns with Meghan’s own words in her 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, where she described feeling vulnerable during public appearances, particularly after revealing suicidal thoughts. Her hand on Harry’s arm could be less about control and more about grounding herself in a hostile environment.[](https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1862492/prince-harry-meghan-markle-hold-hands-reason)[](https://www.newsweek.com/prince-harry-meghan-markle-awkward-hand-holding-video-un-viral-twitter-1725929)

Psychologically, touch is a universal way to signal connection and support. Studies on nonverbal communication, like those by Dr. Albert Mehrabian, show that physical touch can convey affection, reassurance, or partnership, especially in high-stress situations. Meghan’s “double clutch” or hand on Harry’s back could be a way to reinforce their unity, particularly after facing years of media attacks and family estrangement. The 2024 Nigeria tour, where they were described as performing “parent and child-like” rituals to avoid letting go of each other’s hands, underscores this mutual dependence.[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13409529/amp/Meghan-Markle-Prince-Harry-perform-parent-child-like-ritual-Duke-reluctant-let-wifes-hand-offers-maternal-touch-claims-body-language-expert.html)

The Media’s Role in Amplifying the Narrative

The “Markle Claw” phenomenon is as much a product of media amplification as it is of public observation. Tabloids like the Daily Mail, which Harry and Meghan have sued multiple times, have a vested interest in portraying Meghan as controlling to fuel their narrative of her as a disruptive force. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and YouTube, exacerbate this by allowing slowed-down footage to be dissected out of context, creating a feedback loop where speculation becomes fact. Jack Royston, Newsweek’s Chief Royal Correspondent, notes that the huge traffic on these platforms—compared to traditional media—makes it nearly impossible for the couple to manage their reputation through legal means alone.[](https://www.newsweek.com/meghan-markle-prince-harry-body-language-claims-go-viral-tiktok-claw-controlling-1755668)[](https://www.newsweek.com/meghan-markle-prince-harry-body-language-claims-go-viral-tiktok-claw-controlling-1755668)

This media frenzy also reflects a broader cultural discomfort with a woman who defies traditional expectations. Meghan, a self-made, biracial American, doesn’t fit the mold of a demure royal consort. Her confidence, described by Judi James as “regally gracious” during their 2018 Dublin visit, is often recast as arrogance or control. The “Markle Claw” narrative thus serves as a convenient shorthand for critics who view her as an outsider usurping Harry’s royal identity.[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-14971765/body-language-meghan-markle-control-harry-anxious.html)

 Why the “Claw” Matters

Ultimately, the “Markle Claw” is less about Meghan’s hand placement and more about what it represents: a battleground for public perception. For detractors, it’s evidence of a manipulative wife steering a hapless prince. For supporters, it’s a symbol of a modern, affectionate partnership navigating unprecedented challenges. The truth likely lies in between—a complex interplay of love, support, and adaptation in a world that’s often hostile to their choices.

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Meghan’s tactile gestures, whether a hand on Harry’s knee or a “double clutch” on his arm, reflect a woman asserting her presence in a narrative that often seeks to erase her. Far from controlling Harry, she’s likely anchoring herself and their partnership in a sea of scrutiny. As they continue to carve out their post-royal life, the “Markle Claw” will remain a lightning rod for debate—but it’s also a testament to their resilience as a couple.

Sources:

- Newsweek, “Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Body Language Claims Go Viral on TikTok”[](https://www.newsweek.com/meghan-markle-prince-harry-body-language-claims-go-viral-tiktok-claw-controlling-1755668)

- Daily Mail, “The REAL reason why Meghan Markle is 'hands on' with Prince Harry”[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/royals/article-13834381/the-real-reason-why-meghan-markle-is-hands-on-with-prince-harry-duchesss-double-clutch-is-a-gesture-of-ownership-body-language-expert-says.html)

- Express.co.uk, “Real reason Prince Harry and Meghan Markle always hold hands in public revealed”[](https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1862492/prince-harry-meghan-markle-hold-hands-reason)

- The Independent, “Meghan and Harry ‘double standards’ exposed in criticism over hand-holding”[](https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/royal-family/prince-harry-meghan-markle-hands-zara-b2168278.html)