What Meghan Markle's 'koala hugs' for friends and colleagues mean, body language expert reveals

According to body language expert Judi James, Meghan Markle's tactile nature, especially her warm hugs with friends and colleagues, serves various emotional purposes. These embraces send a clear message that Meghan is "warm and very popular" while also emphasizing the strength of her relationships. By being physically affectionate, Meghan not only conveys closeness and genuine affection but also reinforces her connection with others, making the bond appear strong and deep. This habit of touch, whether through hugs or holding hands, enhances her image of being approachable and empathetic in her social circles.

Meghan places her arm over the shoulder of Canadian television presenter Chloe Wilde at an event in Toronto in 2016

Meghan Markle’s interactions, particularly her tactile gestures, convey strong signals of affection, according to body language expert Judi James. These gestures, such as warm hugs, not only make the recipient feel valued but may also provide Meghan with a sense of social reassurance, which she finds rewarding amid her busy lifestyle.

Meghan holding Prince Harry's hand at the wedding of Daisy Jenks and Charlie van Straubenzee in 2018

Interestingly, Meghan's public displays of affection with her husband, Prince Harry, such as hand-holding, are distinct from her interactions with friends. Ms. James notes that the couple's hand clasps are not as "intense" as the hugging and holding Meghan shares with her close companions.

For example, at a charity gala supporting LA Children's Hospital earlier this month, Meghan was seen holding hands with her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen. As they smiled for the cameras, Meghan positioned herself behind Kelly, which Judi James interprets as a “barrier ritual.” This subtle positioning suggests that Meghan views her friend as a protective figure, while the double hand clasp signifies mutual support in their bond.

Meghan attending a charity gala earlier this month with her close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen

At the recent charity gala, Meghan Markle was seen holding hands with her friend Kelly McKee Zajfen in what body language expert Judi James refers to as a "barrier ritual." This gesture, where Meghan crossed her friend's hands over her own body, suggests that Meghan sees Kelly as a strong and protective presence. The double hand clasp reinforces the idea of mutual support, reflecting a deep sense of trust and companionship between the two.

The two friends smile and hold hands in front of the cameras, with Meghan situating herself behind Kelly

Notably, Prince Harry was absent from this event, continuing a pattern of separate engagements for the couple. This follows Harry’s recent solo trips to Lesotho and London, which have raised some speculation.

In contrast to her hand-holding gestures, Meghan’s tactile expressions can take on more intimate forms. For example, at a 2016 World Vision event in Toronto, she shared a "koala hug" with her then-close friend Jessica Mulroney. Judi James described this childlike embrace as one that signals a need for protection and support, illustrating the strong bond between the women at the time.

Meghan and her former friend Jessica Mulroney embracing in a 'koala hug' at an event in Toronto in 2016

Meghan Markle's "koala hug" with her former best friend Jessica Mulroney at a 2016 World Vision event was described by body language expert Judi James as a "childlike display." The hug, with the women's arms encircling each other, suggested a deep emotional connection and a sense of needing protection. According to Ms. James, this type of embrace makes it appear as though both women were seeking comfort and support from one another, almost as if shielding themselves from the world around them. The gesture highlights the close bond they shared at the time, though their relationship has since cooled following Jessica's involvement in a 2020 controversy.

The Duchess placing her hand on journalist and social activist Gloria Steinem's shoulder earlier this year 

Body language expert Judi James noted that Meghan Markle’s "koala hug" with Jessica Mulroney displayed a strong bond between the two women, emphasizing their deep emotional connection. However, their close friendship later fell apart after Jessica became involved in a "white privilege" controversy with lifestyle blogger Sasha Exeter in 2020.

Meghan’s tactile gestures aren’t limited to intimate hugs. She also engages in more casual displays of affection. For example, at a 2016 event with Canadian television presenter Chloe Wilde, Meghan was photographed with her arm loosely draped over Wilde’s shoulder. According to Ms. James, this kind of pose signals camaraderie and shared understanding. It’s a more relaxed, less intense form of physical connection that still conveys closeness and friendliness.

According to body language expert Judi James, Meghan Markle’s casual gesture of placing her arm loosely over Chloe Wilde’s shoulder at a 2016 event was a “signal of camaraderie or shared thinking for the camera.” Meghan used this same pose last year with journalist and social activist Gloria Steinem at the Women of Vision Awards, further emphasizing her comfort in expressing solidarity and shared goals through subtle tactile cues.

In contrast, Meghan's interaction with her Suits co-star Rick Hoffman at the show's season five premiere in 2016 was more intense. She placed both hands on Hoffman's shoulders while they locked eyes in what Ms. James described as a "dominant-looking hug." This pose suggested a deeper level of engagement, with the direct eye contact conveying genuine interest or concern for the other person, as if silently checking in on their well-being or offering heartfelt support.

Meghan placing her hands on actor Rick Hoffman's shoulders at the Suits season five premiere in Los Angeles in 2016

Judi James described Meghan Markle's gesture with Rick Hoffman as "pinning the other person affectionately and using questioning eye contact." This interaction suggests a deeper emotional connection, as if Meghan were silently inquiring about Hoffman's well-being and genuinely expressing care.

At Meghan’s charity clothing collection launch in London in 2019, she demonstrated warmth in her greeting with fashion designer Misha Nonoo. Their hug, characterized as an "arm cradle" pose by Ms. James, often signifies a reluctance to part ways, coupled with a strong desire to continue the conversation. This pose suggests that both women were enjoying their interaction and were eager to maintain the connection.

Meghan holding designer Misha Nonoo's arms at her charity clothing collection launch in London in 2019

In August, Meghan also shared a tight hug with Kelly McKee Zajfen at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament, which was held in memory of Kelly's late son. This close embrace illustrated a "bundle of affection," conveying a sense of deep emotional support and attachment, especially given the context of the event. Meghan's ability to express warmth and solidarity through physical touch underscores her empathetic nature and strong bonds with those around her.

Meghan, Kelly and Lily hug at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament earlier this year 

Meghan Markle’s embrace with Kelly McKee Zajfen, which included Kelly's daughter Lily, exemplified a "bundle of affection." Body language expert Judi James noted that Meghan seemed to be putting in the maximum effort to express her love and support. This type of hug typically signifies a deep emotional connection, often seen after a long period of separation, showcasing strong attachment signals and a sense of how much they cherish each other.

Meghan has also shared group hugs with friends and colleagues, highlighting her capacity for warmth and connection. At a Suits event in Beverly Hills in 2013, Meghan posed with co-stars Gina Torres and Sarah Rafferty. Their embrace, described by Ms. James as giving off "hen party vibes," suggested a close-knit relationship filled with shared memories and joyful experiences.

Meghan posing with American actresses Gina Torres and Sarah Rafferty at a Suits event in Beverly Hills, California, in 2013

In contrast, when Meghan hugged women from the Hubb Community Kitchen in 2018, the dynamic was different. The context of their work—launching a charity cookbook to support families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire—shifted the meaning of the embrace. Ms. James noted that this hug was less about fun and more about solidarity and teamwork, indicating a shared commitment to a cause. While there may not have been laughter, the interaction still carried hints of conversation and camaraderie, resembling the kind of group hug typically seen in business settings, designed to foster team bonding and show empathy.

Meghan sharing a hug with women she worked with at the Hubb Community Kitchen in 2018