Prince Harry reportedly acted as Meghan Markle’s “personal bodyguard” while arriving at Kris Jenner’s 70th birthday celebration in Beverly Hills on Saturday night, according to UK body language expert Judi James.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined a glittering roster of A-list guests — including Oprah Winfrey and Adele — to celebrate the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch’s milestone birthday. The lavish James Bond–themed event was hosted at Jeff Bezos’ $165 million Beverly Hills mansion and featured around 300 attendees.
Photographers captured the couple as they arrived, with Harry, 41, appearing stern and walking slightly ahead of Meghan, 44, who followed behind him smiling brightly.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Judi James explained that Harry appeared intent on shielding his wife from the paparazzi, adopting a serious demeanour while ensuring the spotlight remained on a “radiant” Meghan.
“Harry and Meghan’s ritual here is more old-school A-list,” James said. “Harry looks serious and focused, towing Meghan along like her personal bodyguard. In star terms, this signals her return to the big screen as an actress, while he seems back in ‘Spare’ mode here.”
The expert continued, “Harry’s expressionless face directs attention toward his wife. His stance — with an outstretched arm held slightly behind him, suggesting muscle strength, and a firm ‘Big Paw’ grip on Meghan’s hand — mirrors Travis Kelce’s protective gesture toward Taylor Swift. It reflects a desire to protect as they pass the press.”
Meghan’s appearance at the high-profile event coincided with news earlier this week that she is set to make her return to acting, with a cameo as herself in the upcoming film Close Personal Friends, alongside Lily Collins, Brie Larson, and Jack Quaid.
Best known for her role as Rachel Zane in the hit TV series Suits, Meghan also held smaller roles in Horrible Bosses, Get Him to the Greek, and Remember Me, and famously worked as a “briefcase girl” on the U.S. version of Deal or No Deal.
According to James, Meghan’s entrance at Jenner’s party reflected a particular kind of Hollywood hierarchy. “There are different rankings of A-list body language at events,” she explained. “It ranges from the Kim Kardashian ‘Solo Goddess’ camera-ready stance to Adele’s ‘Hiding-my-face-with-my-bag’ pose, which implies she’s too famous to seek publicity.”
“Meghan keeps her eyes lowered — echoing Adele’s cut-off look — implying she’s ‘too big a star’ to court the cameras like the reality girls might. It’s a coy, detached ritual that suggests she assumes intense press interest rather than chasing it,” James said.
“But Meghan also gives a smile of genuine delight,” she added. “Her cheeks are rounded, her lips raised high at the corners, creating symmetry. It’s an acknowledgment to fans and photographers without overt posing or showboating.”
For the evening, Meghan chose a fitted black turtleneck top and wrap skirt, completing her look with black heels. Harry wore a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, accessorised with a red poppy in honour of Remembrance Day — which senior members of the Royal Family were commemorating at the Cenotaph in London.
Meghan’s attendance at Jenner’s bash follows weeks of speculation that she could soon launch a Kardashian-style “mega brand.” The rumours grew after she was seen socialising with Dragons’ Den investor and SKIMS co-founder Emma Grede — the businesswoman behind Kim Kardashian’s billion-dollar fashion empire.
Last month, Grede shared several Instagram posts featuring Meghan as the “star guest” at her Los Angeles dinner, celebrating women “owning their power” and “helping each other get s**t done.” PR analysts believe the connection may hint at Meghan’s next move.
One insider told The Mail on Sunday, “On her Instagram reel, the makeup products on her dressing table were unbranded or had their labels obscured — a deliberate choice. That’s a tell-tale sign she’s preparing to launch her own line. By avoiding other brands, she’s signalling something new is coming.”
PR strategist Chad Teixeira agreed that the timing and visuals of Meghan’s appearance with Grede are strategic. “This isn’t a coincidence,” he said. “The imagery and social media content are highly polished, framing Meghan and Emma as equals in the same creative space. It’s a textbook soft-launch strategy we see when a larger project is about to be revealed.”
Experts note that Grede’s experience — trusted by the Kardashian family — would be invaluable for Meghan, who has previously expressed admiration for Kris Jenner. The Duchess reportedly sent Jenner an “As Ever” press package earlier this year and later shared a post featuring the “momager” on her Instagram Story.
As Hollywood continues to buzz over Meghan’s re-entry into the spotlight, her recent appearances suggest a deliberate, carefully orchestrated comeback — one blending star power, brand building, and royal intrigue.