James added that Meghan appeared eager to subtly rewrite royal rules, while Harry struggled to balance duty with devotion—an internal tug-of-war playing out in real time.
Despite the raised eyebrows, public affection has never been unusual for the Sussexes. From holding hands at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017, to embracing during their engagement announcement at Kensington Palace, the couple have consistently shown a more modern, tactile approach to royal life.
Their wedding in May 2018 only reinforced that image, with a televised kiss outside St George’s Chapel that melted hearts worldwide. Since then, they’ve been photographed sharing affectionate moments at polo matches, Invictus Games events, and even during official royal visits—Harry’s hand on Meghan’s knee in Sydney, arms linked in Australia, and hands clasped in New Zealand.
Even after stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to North America, the pair maintained that closeness. When they returned to the UK in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s service of thanksgiving, they were again seen holding hands as they arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral.