What Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle think of each other

What Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle think of each other

Ms. Markle could have been forgiven for feeling nervous as she took her seat alongside the Duchess of Cambridge today for their first joint engagement.

But according to body language analysts, far from being a shrinking violet, Meghan came across as an 'unstoppable force of nature' determined to get her point across - even if it meant talking over her future sister-in-law at times - during a Royal Foundation Q&A in the City of London.

MailOnline FEMAIL spoke to bestselling author Judi James and communications coach Robin Kermode to find out what Kate and Meghan's body language reveals about their relationship - with Judi noting that the Duchess appeared anxious on behalf of the 'new kid on the block' as she makes her first tentative steps into royal life.

Judi said: 'The dynamics between Meghan and Kate threw up some fascinating body language that could even suggest or hint at some future friendly clashes between two strong women.

'The pair seemed to skip any sister-in-law style tie-signs or exchanged smiles and chat. Their chairs had been placed close on stage, and there was some superficial mirroring, but they rarely met eye contact.

'Meghan in particular seemed all about getting her passionate messages across.'

Judi added: 'Kate's body language style looks calm but firm and she sat back in her chair (possibly the baby bump modified her posture) while Meghan sat upright and slightly forward. 

'Kate's hands tended to remain folded in her lap with just some increased anxiety finger-fiddling signals when both her husband and Meghan spoke. 

'Her eye contact and smiles tended to be reserved for William which suggests low levels of anxiety on behalf of Meghan who was the new kid on the block but clearly full of eloquent confidence.

'Meghan's style of communication is emotional and forceful. Putting her passion for the causes across she looks like a force of nature that might take some stopping. When the subject of "disagreements" between them came up there were some interesting "tells" in terms of body language. 

'Both women used their hair as a cut-off, hiding their faces and therefore their true emotions. William sank in his seat saying 'oh yes' and Meghan grabbed Harry's arm in what looked like a gesture of restraint and support. 

'The words 'stuck together' were used and although the mood was light enough it was an interesting moment that might suggest there has been some lively debate between the couples.' 

Meghan's trait of sitting upright in her chair suggests dynamic energy and desire to speak and participate,' notes Judi. 'Her elbow on the chair is a partial pit-bare gesture that suggests confidence and even leadership. 

'Kate's pose shows her royal experience. She sits back in her chair in a less active and more relaxed style (given the baby bump will play a part).

'She has learned that - as a royal - your voice gets heard and there is no need to actively court attention. Her approach looks calmer and her calm confidence is in contrast to Meghan's more active confidence.

Robin agrees that the former actress is something of a natural in front of the camera, adding: 'Meghan appears very relaxed, with lightly clasped hands. Her chin is low, showing she is confident of her status, with a relaxed hint of a smile. 

'Her raised eye brows shows she is listening carefully. She shows the open, calm posture of someone who is used to, and likes, being filmed.'

'Kate, too, looks relaxed in Meghan’s company,' Robin adds. 'Her slightly tilted head to her left shows he is not playing high status above Meghan. Kate appears to be slightly fiddling with the end of her left finger, which is a comforting gesture - indicating that she is now so comfortable with being in front of the media that she doesn’t feel she has to be "on show" at all times. 

'They appear to talking genuinely with good eye contact and a perfectly mirrored raise of their eyebrows.'

2. 'Relaxed and flirty' grin vs. Kate's 'perfect' smile 

Judi says: 'Kate's smile is her signature 'perfect' royal smile but Meghan's is more actively fun and even flirty as she looks towards her prince. 

'The hand clasps are also different: Meghan used a meshed-finger clasp and here she holds her hands in a "clapping" clasp. She uses strongly emphatic hand gestures as she speaks and this "clasping" is still full of energy. Kate's hand clasp is slightly more regal but notably th