Prince Harry surprised firefighters in Los Angeles by paying them and their therapy dogs a visit – but his latest solo outing has sparked “role confusion” according to a body language expert.
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that ripped through California, Prince Harry continued efforts to help victims and evacuees by showing his support of the rebuilding of affected communities.
Pictures shared by the Salinas Fire Department on Instagram showed Prince Harry dressed casually in black trousers and a black jacket standing alongside several firefighters and petting the dogs.
But body language expert, Judi James believes the outing without his wife, shows confusion.
She said: “The visit has all the hallmarks of a royal one as it’s claimed he has been there boosting morale, which is not something a normal citizen of Montecito or your average celebrity would be expected to do,” reports The Mirror.
She added: “He’s not in celebrity mode, either, with his very understated casual clothing and his tempered smiles to the camera.”
She explained the image created “wouldn’t fit the royal profile” as it would require a “smarter dress”.
One image showed Harry standing at the end of the line for a group photo instead of front and centre.
Judi added: “Harry stands at the back and the end of the line for the group photo rather than posing in the middle to show full engagement. He’s splayed his legs but stuffed his hands into his pockets hinting at a desire to hide.”
Earlier this month, both Harry and Meghan were seen hugging people and speaking to emergency crews at the Pasadena Community Centre.
Pasadena Mayor, Victor Gordo, described the couple’s efforts, saying Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders”.
He added: “They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbours.”
However, their visit to the relief centre sparked a backlash with some critics, as the actress Justine Bateman slammed the couple on X.
She wrote: “Meghan Markle and Harry are no better than ambulance chasers. What a repulsive ‘photo op’ they achieved. They are ‘touring the damage’? Are they politicians now? They don’t live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists.”
Through their Archewell Foundation, it is reported Harry and Meghan have contributed monetary donations and plan to continue supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts with future visits.
However, a source told Page Six that Harry and Meghan feel the actress’s comments were “offensive”.
They explained: “It’s offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity.”
