Meghan Markle has once again made headlines — not for her latest business venture, but for what experts say is a noticeable shift in her relationship dynamic with Prince Harry compared to her first marriage.
The Duchess of Sussex, who marked her sixth wedding anniversary with Harry in May, recently posted a story on her As Ever Instagram page celebrating her husband’s return from Ukraine and the UK. The post — showing two glasses of her own brand of wine with the caption “When your beau is back in town” — highlighted the pair’s continued affection.
But according to body language specialists, Meghan’s approach to marriage has evolved significantly. With her first husband, Hollywood producer Trevor Engelson, experts suggest Meghan often displayed the traits of a so-called “trophy wife” — polished, attentive, and supportive in a traditional sense. Photographs from their marriage show her leaning toward Engelson, her posture slightly deferential, with gestures that seemed to frame him as the focal point.
By contrast, her relationship with Prince Harry appears to invert the dynamic. Experts argue that Harry is frequently cast in the role of a “trophy husband”. Meghan often leads with her body language — walking ahead, initiating touch, and making bold eye contact during public outings. Her gestures suggest she is the driver of the couple’s narrative, while Harry, though still confident, often mirrors and follows her cues.
This subtle shift has fascinated observers since their fairytale 2018 wedding, which itself broke boundaries in royal tradition. Nearly two billion people worldwide tuned in to watch the ceremony, described by the Daily Mail at the time as Meghan’s “mini-revolution”. With gospel choirs, American preachers, and a diverse guest list, it was hailed as the most culturally inclusive major royal event of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
Now, six years on, that spirit of independence and influence seems to define Meghan’s role in her marriage. While critics accuse her of overshadowing Harry, supporters say the couple’s dynamic simply reflects a modern partnership — one where traditional gender expectations are reversed.
A royal insider recently remarked: “Harry is very happy in that role. He admires Meghan’s drive and ambition. If anything, he thrives on her being in the lead.”
Still, the shift has sparked debate. Some traditionalists see Meghan’s assertiveness as a challenge to royal norms, while others applaud her for refusing to diminish her identity.
Body language expert Judi James summed it up succinctly: “With Trevor, Meghan’s signals placed her in a supporting role. With Harry, she’s the star — and Harry doesn’t mind being the supporting act. It’s not weakness; it’s synergy.”
Whether “trophy wife” or “trophy husband,” the Sussexes continue to prove that theirs is no ordinary royal marriage. For Meghan, it seems the real revolution is not just in the wedding she staged, but in the relationship she now leads.