Like Father, Like Son: The Nervous Habit Harry Inherited From King Charles — And How Meghan Saved the Day

He may be one of the most recognisable faces on the planet, but back in 2017, Prince Harry was anything but cool, calm and collected. As Harry and Meghan marked their eighth wedding anniversary earlier this month, body language expert Darren Stanton has been casting a fresh eye over the couple's famous engagement photocall and interview — and what he spotted is rather telling. According to Stanton, speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, a nervy Harry couldn't stop tucking his hand inside his jacket, a habit that royal-watchers may find strangely familiar.

Far from being a one-off quirk, the gesture appears to be something of a royal inheritance. Stanton was quick to point out the striking connection to Harry's father, noting that the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree when it comes to moments of anxiety.

It's a fascinating glimpse into the Windsor family dynamic — the idea that even unconscious physical habits can be passed from father to son, played out on the world's biggest stage.

While Harry was busy fidgeting, his bride-to-be was the picture of poise. Stanton described Meghan as "incredibly confident" during the same appearance, noting her long, purposeful strides and open palm gestures — all hallmarks of someone completely at ease in the spotlight. Whether that composure came from her years as a Hollywood actress or simply from a natural self-assurance, the expert reckons Meghan was also quietly working to steady her nervous fiancé. "Her confident strides and open gestures could also have been part of this — trying to exude confidence to help bolster Harry's," Stanton explained, adding that Meghan's hands were "interlocked tightly" around Harry's throughout.

The anniversary milestone clearly brought the happy memories flooding back. Harry and Meghan, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now live in their Montecito home in California, marked the occasion with Meghan sharing sweet throwback snaps on her Instagram account. Whatever tensions may exist with the wider Royal Family, it seems the couple's bond remains as solid as ever — nervous gestures and all.