Meghan Markle's affectionate gestures during the Invictus Games featured a distinct way of kissing known as "facial cupping.
" Meghan Markle showcased notable public displays of affection with Prince Harry at this year's Invictus Games in Vancouver, demonstrating a unique kissing gesture that she has both used in her acting and personal interactions, Mail Online reported.
This technique, distinguished by her hand placement on Harry's face, has been a consistent element in their public appearances and invites discussion on its significance in their relationship dynamics.
Meghan, aged 43, and Prince Harry, aged 40, notably embraced these affectionate gestures in mid-February 2025 at the Invictus Games. The couple was seen in various loving poses, with Meghan often leaning into Harry and demonstrating a level of intimacy, with her head on his shoulder or gripping his arm.
During the Whistler Welcoming Ceremony and other key moments, photographers captured Meghan employing the facial cupping technique. This act involves her hands framing Harry’s face during a kiss, a gesture she has mirrored with her co-stars in previous acting roles and now with her husband.
The use of facial cupping allows Meghan to manage the timing and intensity of her kisses with Harry. Body language expert Judi James commented that this technique facilitates a more synchronized kiss, reducing clumsiness and enhancing the romantic narrative they present publicly. "Meghan is a fan of what’s known as facial cupping," Judi James noted.
According to James, this gesture is not just about affection but control. "It’s a controlling gesture that lightly or not so lightly clamps the head, allowing for a more synchronized, un-clumsy kiss via some careful steering and holding in place," James explained.
Observers have noted these affectionate displays not only at this year's games but also in previous moments, such as the couple’s engagement photos and their salsa dancing event in Colombia. Each time, Meghan prominently used facial cupping to shape the narrative and control the visual presentation of their affection.
Meghan's method of kissing has roots in her acting career, where she used it during romantic scenes in "Suits," particularly with her character's love interest, Mike Ross. "Analysing another picture of strong-willed lawyer Rachel kissing brainiac Mike, James said: 'She is digging her fingertips into the other actor’s face, with one finger burrowing into a spot behind his ear lobe,'" reported James.
Unlike the more intense gripping seen on-screen, Meghan’s grip in real life, particularly with Harry, appears softer and less forceful. This suggests a conscious adaptation of her acting techniques to her public personal life, softening the gesture to fit more naturally with her actual relationship.
During the Invictus Games, beyond just facial cupping, Meghan's overall body language spoke volumes about the couple's dynamic. She frequently maintained eye contact with Harry, keeping her gestures intimate and focused on him.
Judi James further analyzed the couple's engagement photos where Meghan's gesture seemed to convey a sense of equality, contrary to traditional dynamics. "'Given Harry’s superior royal rank and status it was also an important suggestion that Meghan was not going to be seen as the more submissive and vulnerable partner, waiting for a bestowed kiss from her prince,'" clarified James about the engagement photos.
The Invictus Games provided a backdrop for Meghan to not only show care for Harry but also project a message. James described their posed interactions as combining a dominant rewarding ritual and a call for intimacy. "'It's as though she's sending Harry off to do battle,' she said. 'Even if the battle is only for the mic and the audience's heart in this case.'"
Through repeated public events, Meghan has maintained a consistent and controlled demonstration of affection that transcends her from her roles onscreen to her real-life role alongside Prince Harry. This continuation of a specific gesture showcases not only personal comfort but a well-understood and masterfully executed public image strategy. Although rooted in acting, Meghan's affection gestures have woven into her narrative with Harry, portraying a loving and controlled partnership.
