Prince Harry appeared “nervous” and displayed several signs of anxiety during his appearance at a mental health and climate change event in New York, according to body language expert Judi James. The Duke of Sussex, who recently turned 40, took the stage to interview two young recipients of a legacy award given in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana. Despite his confident public image, Harry’s gestures seemed to reveal his inner tension.
Dressed in a sharp navy suit with a “Diana Award” gold pin, Harry was seen fidgeting repeatedly, tugging at his tie and blazer, cracking his knuckles, and bouncing his legs. Judi James noted that Harry exhibited “no less than 19 gestures or rituals of anxiety or nervousness in the space of twenty-eight seconds,” describing this as a significant level of discomfort, even for someone known to be a nervous public speaker.
Judi observed that the Duke’s actions suggested a desire for self-comfort and barrier-creation, including adjusting his tie multiple times, bouncing in his seat, rubbing his knees, and engaging in leg judders. Despite the outward signs of anxiety, Prince Harry remained composed and engaged with his audience, even showing moments of warmth and connection, such as when he smiled while speaking.
During the event, Harry interviewed award recipients Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang from Indonesia and Christina Williams from Jamaica. He praised their activism, stating, “I know my mother would be incredibly proud of you guys.” He emphasized the importance of the younger generation in driving change, highlighting their courage and commitment.
Harry’s solo trip to New York, which includes engagements with mental health, climate change, and charity events, comes amid efforts to assert himself following his 40th birthday. This independent streak is further evidenced by his upcoming solo trip to London for the WellChild Awards, without his wife Meghan Markle.
Experts have suggested that Harry’s decision to take on more solo engagements could signal a desire to carve out a new path for himself, possibly as part of his journey toward finding a renewed sense of purpose. Royal experts believe this shift in approach may help him rebuild relationships and define his role in future public life, as he balances his commitments between the U.S. and the UK.
