Body Language Expert Reveals What Meghan Markle Really Felt About Clingy Drew Barrymore: "Her Hand..."

The Duchess of Sussex stopped by The Drew Barrymore Show to promote her new eight-part Netflix series, 'With Love, Meghan.'

Meghan Markle’s recent appearance on Drew Barrymore’s talk show sparked plenty of buzz. The Duchess of Sussex stopped by The Drew Barrymore Show to promote her new eight-part Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reflecting on her return to TV, body language expert, Judy James, analyzed the segment and noted signs of discomfort as Barrymore repeatedly ‘touched’ Markle. She opined that Markle seemed ‘rather more distanced emotionally’ when the host embraced her.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, James revealed, “This is a rare pose from Meghan, who is normally the first one to move in with the hugs...that was apparently met with a tsunami of ice water from the royal firm back in the UK.” James suggested that Markle instead adopted a straight and regal-looking pose, mirroring the kind of response she herself was met with from her in-laws when she hugged them against royal protocol.

Barrymore is known for getting too touchy-feely with her guests on her show. Her interview style allegedly didn't sit well with Markle, who was ‘unenthusiastic’ with Barrymore’s 'clingy' behavior. Delving more about Markle's demeanor, James added, “Her hand is hanging in her pocket rather than reciprocating the display of affection and she's flashing a wide social smile at the camera rather than tilting her head in a reciprocal gesture. Drew clings relentlessly though, curling her arms around Meghan's waist in a partial koala embrace and tilting her head to nestle against Meghan's locks. Her rounded cheek, pursed lip smile signals a sense of warm friendship and affection, while Meghan looks rather more distanced emotionally and keener to communicate with the camera than with her host here.” Despite the claims, Markle seemed to enjoy her conversation with Barrymore. The pair spoke about everything from her childhood to finding love in Prince Harry.

Remember when @DrewBarrymoreTV grabbed Lucy Liu’s chest in front of then Prince Charles & Lucy was totally embarrassed. #DrewBarrmoreHasNoClass #DrewBarrymoreIsaBully #MeghanMarkleExposed #MeghanMarkleAmericanPsycho #MeghanMarkleIsAThief pic.twitter.com/2kmA7XL4rc

— Nancy Sidley (@nancytsidley) March 6, 2025

Commenting also on Markle's Netflix show, James was less than appreciative when it came to the Duchess' ‘childlike and controlling’ demeanor. The expert branded it a ‘dystopian nightmare for feminists’ when it was revealed that Markle was urged to rename her new show. “She dances about, squeals and she acts excited about everything. Even cutting a raspberry in two for her children’s breakfast platter is seen in a ‘fun’ light,” James slammed. According to The Independent, critics also dubbed the show ‘queasy and exhausting.’ Undeterred, Markle has continued teasing and promoting its second season on her Instagram. The caption of her Instagram story read, "Lettuce romaine calm...or not (!) because I am thrilled to share that Season 2 of With Love, Meghan is coming!’”

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The series centers around Markle inviting her famous friends to cook. In the episodes, Markle chops, bakes, and engages with guests in homemaking projects. Markle has mentioned in several interviews that she enjoys cooking, especially as a way to unwind. She shared that cooking is a calming and therapeutic activity, and she loves to prepare meals for her family.