Meghan Markle “acted like a little girl looking for a hug” while putting on an “intensely affectionate” display with Nacho Figueras’ family for a Netflix photo shoot yesterday, a body language expert has claimed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted with Nacho Figueras and his wife Delfina in Palm Beach, where Prince Harry was filming scenes for his upcoming Netflix series about polo.
During filming, Meghan was seen warmly hugging Harry’s polo-playing friend, his wife Delfina, who the Duchess previously referred to as “sister”, and their eight-year-old daughter Alba.
Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James described how Meghan showed “unity” with Delfina, as they were photographed walking away in an embrace.
She asked: ‘Meghan approached Nacho’s wife with both arms outstretched to hug her.
Meghan Markle was seen hugging a woman believed to be Delfina Blaquier during a Netflix session in Palm Beach yesterday.
“This gesture is intensely affectionate because, as an intentional or announcing gesture, it imitates a small child who wants his parents to pick him up and hug him.”
What’s more, Judi said the way the women walked together also gave insight into their extremely close relationship.
The expert continued: ‘As the two women walk together, they tilt their heads to touch each other. The closeness of the head is a sign of trust, as well as a symbol of unity and like-mindedness.
‘Their arms are linked around each other’s torsos and they are completely in step despite the height difference. They seem to have been best friends for years.
In addition to this, the expert also noted that Meghan’s display of warmth towards the couple and their son was unusual coinciding with the news that she is working on a new Netflix series on the topic of friendship.
Judi explained: “Meghan’s body language displays with the Figueres family seem to comprehensively pin down the non-verbal definition of friendship, which is a complete coincidence given it is said to be one of the themes of her Netflix shows.
“We’ve never seen Meghan looking so completely tactile and unreserved before, but it shows a hidden ‘private’ side of her that’s very much in tune with her new subject.”
However, Meghan’s warm body language during these interactions was the result of “slow” affect.
Meghan Markle showed ‘slow affection’ towards polo player Nacho Figueras, body language expert claims
Meghan Markle, seen here with a hat-clad woman believed to be Delfina Blaquier, traded in her stilettos for $760 Hermes flip-flops and fresh linens a day after being mocked for her impractical outfit at the field at a charity polo match in Miami, Florida.
Later that day, Meghan was also seen hugging the couple’s eight-year-old daughter Alba (pictured).
The expert said: “Of course, Meghan has always demonstrated an ability to show warmth and affection towards both her husband and the causes he supports, but the way she walks alongside Nacho’s wife here and her embrace with their young daughter hints a level of friendship.” That usually only comes with time and a slowly building affection.
‘Meghan’s hug towards Nacho’s daughter is also warm and affectionate. She wraps both arms around the girl for what seems like a lingering hug and adds a kiss on the head to heighten the suggestion of affection.
In 2022, Delfina praised Meghan for being “stronger than she thinks” in an interview with Hello! magazine.
In 2022, after a glamorous polo match in Aspen, Colorado, Delfina said: ‘[Meghan] It’s so wonderful and strong. Stronger than she thinks. “I love being around my friends and I will always support her.”
In the summer of 2022, Delfina took to her social media account to share a warm message about the Duchess of Sussex, saying it had been “very special” spending time with her.
Posting a photo of the couple standing while watching their husbands compete at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, Delfina wrote: ‘M, I look forward to many more moments like this with you and H.
‘Being able to spend time together during these two months was very special. I wish everyone knew you as you are.
She continued: ‘My sister, my now partner “pwife”, genius of you to come up with this. I can’t wait to see you again soon to share emotions, walks and more time to relax.”
Delfina added: ‘You have my respect too. Keep walking, firm and strong. Listen to your heart, that will guide you well, because you have a big one and it is beautiful. I love you my love.’
Delfina met her husband Nacho at a polo match in Buenos Aires in 1997. They began dating in early 1998, welcomed their first child in 2000, and married in December 2005.
The couple now has four children together: Hilario; Dawn; Artemo; and Alba.
Described by Tatler as “the David Beckham of Polo”, Nacho now has a 6-goal handicap and an estimated net worth of $30 million and has worked as a model for Ralph Lauren since 2000.