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‘Protective’ Meghan Markle had ‘slight inhibitions’ about showing off baby Archie, body language expert claims
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry glowed as they showed off their newborn baby Archie today.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex presented Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor today, and a body language expert has said "protective" Meghan looks like she had "slight inhibitions" about the reveal.
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Body language expert Judi James told Fabulous Digital: "When Meghan used the phrase 'My two best guys' she summed up the body language messages in these poses.
"Harry cradled the baby throughout, using the face softening look of love as he glanced down at its face and even picked a bit of lint off its cap, while Meghan stood to his side offering maternal-looking support and encouragement to them both.
"Harry looked like a very comfortable, adept cradler, unlike other royal males who often hold their new babies like Ming vases although he was comfort-rubbing his own hand as well as his baby.
"Meghan's self comfort touches suggested some slight inhibitions but -as she did during their engagement - she was the one leading the interview while placing a protective arm around her two boys."
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As the pair left St George's Hall in Windsor, Meghan's back-rubs hinted that she was 'rewarding' Harry for already being a great dad.
"The back-rub is a loving leadership trait of guiding and reassuring that Meghan has used before in their relationship, this time almost using it as a reward signal," Judi explained.
"It was more exaggerated than usual and involved a rub with the hand but also the thumb, suggesting she sees herself as a protective proud presence for both her 'guys' now."
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The new parents appeared tired but ecstatic as they cradled newborn Archie, with giddy bearded dad Harry joking his son "already has facial hair".
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's low key announcement at Windsor Castle is in stark contrast to Kate Middleton and Prince William's baby reveals that saw hundreds of photographers snap pictures of their three children hours after they were born.
While helicopters flew over the Lindo Wing and the nation's gaze was trained on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan and Harry only had one photographer, a reporter and three cameras in the intimate interview at St George's Hall.
And they kept their sleeping baby boy swaddled in a white blanket and hat as they described their as of yet unnamed little boy.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed Baby Sussex weighing in at 7lb 3oz at 5.26am on Monday
Meghan, 37, had hoped for a home birth but had to be dashed to hospital
Harry, 34, made an impromptu press conference on Monday, gushing over the "amazing" experience of being by his wife's side
Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed the couple to the "sleep deprivation society"
The Queen also exclaimed she had eight great-grandchildren as she was congratulated on the news
'World-class' birthing unit
The Duchess of Sussex may have planned a home birth but London's exclusive Portland Hospital was a savvy back-up option.
Meghan was following in the footsteps of pal Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell and Fergie, Duchess of York, in giving birth at the Regents Park unit, where a basic delivery costs upwards of £15,000.
Harry will have been pleased to hear that partners are able to stay overnight with breakfast ‘at no extra charge’ – though it sounds like the new parents dashed back to Frogmore House as soon as they could.
It’s not clear the Duchess would have been there long enough to enjoy it, but new mums are promised hotel-style treatment – with an en-suite bathroom, air con and high-quality meals all thrown into the pricey plan.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been preparing for a home birth at Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
But late on Sunday the Duchess was driven to the exclusive Portland private hospital in central London by Harry and their Scotland Yard security team.
Meghan remained in the £15,000-a-night hospital overnight before going into labour in the early hours of Monday morning.
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She had a smooth delivery, and her baby boy was born at the 5.26am sunrise on Monday morning weighing 7lb 3oz.
Sources said the operation to get Meghan - who was a week overdue - to the clinic was so secret that even senior royals weren’t told.
Within hours of the dawn birth, the couple were back at Frogmore where Harry, 34, gave an impromptu press conference to break the news to the world.
More on the royal family
See our live blog for all the latest information on the royal baby.
Meghan's mum Doria Ragland, who is said to be "overjoyed" by the arrival of her first grandchild, is currently staying with the couple.
Sun doctor Carol Cooper had said previously it was more likely Meghan will have opted for a caesarean because of her age as she warned about the dangers of older mums giving birth.
Meghan's dad, Thomas, who has been frozen out by Meghan, spoke of his pride at the birth of the baby - his sixth grandson.
Prince Charles says, 'So are we!' after royal fan in Germany shouts, 'We're so happy about the baby news!'
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