Meghan Markle is ‘delighted to be centre of attention’ as paps photograph her

Meghan Markle seemed unfazed after being caught by paparazzi on a day out last weekend, and one body language expert has said that the royal appeared “delighted” to be in the spotlight.

The Duchess was spotted spending time with her good friend Kelly McKee Zajfen, a professional model, while in Santa Barbara, California last Friday afternoon, only a few days before King Charles’s 75th birthday. 

The pair were seen having lunch at the Italian restaurant Pane E Vino before shopping at the clothing boutique Wendy Foster.

However, both Meghan and Kelly were caught by paparazzi as they went about their girl’s day out, and the royal’s reaction appeared “amused” according to body language and communication expert Judi James.

Meghan was seen smiling happily and laughing with Kelly while they chatted as they ignored the photographers, but Judi believed Meghan looked “pleased at being the centre of attention.”

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After analysing Meghan’s reaction, Judi said: “Meghan’s body language rituals as she is ‘caught’ by the cameras here is more delighted and generous C-lister than haughty A-lister.”

Judi added: “Typical A-list body language might involve some gracious poses and B-listers tend to prefer the ‘hide’ option, keeping the head right down and a sombre facial expression as though they are no-way courting publicity or recognition.”

The body language expert added that Meghan appeared “amused” by the photographers. Judi said: “Meghan’s friendly smiles suggest she is delighted by the attention though as she grins with her girlfriend or actually converses with the cameras.

“For someone so frequently in the public eye and who seemed to be seeking privacy, she looks amused to be getting the recognition here.”

Meghan’s movements showed that her body language is warm according to Judi as soon as she interacts with the paparazzi.

Judi said: “When she looks across to talk to the photographers her wide smile looks playful and friendly as she holds one cupped hand out towards them. Her other hand is held up near her head in a gesture that can often be seen as drawing attention to the face.

“The way she places a steering or ushering hand on her friend’s back looks confident and protective but overall she looks relaxed and pleased at being the centre of attention.”