How Meghan Markle ‘dominated’ Prince Harry in ‘awkward’ appearance: ‘Absolutely absurd’

The couple’s relationship has been scrutinised over the years

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s power dynamic seemed to shift for their 2021 TIME magazine cover.

Harry, 40, has long struggled with his role as the ‘spare’ within the royal family. However, some royal commentators now suggest that history is repeating itself – not within the monarchy, but in his marriage to Meghan, 43.

A commentator has examined the couple’s evolving power dynamic through body language analysis.

His findings suggest that Meghan has taken on a dominant role, leaving Harry in the background.
Meghan has reportedly taken on a dominant role in the relationship, a royal commentator said (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s power dynamic ‘shift’ in 2021 TIME magazine cover

In the latest episode of the YouTube series Reading The Royals, Daily Mail’s Diary Editor Richard Eden shared his thoughts on the couple’s dynamic.

One of the most telling examples of this power shift, according to Richard, is Meghan and Prince Harry’s Time magazine cover from September 2021.

The couple were featured in the publication’s 100 Most Influential People list.

The image shows Meghan standing front and centre in a bright white outfit. Meanwhile, Harry, dressed in all black, stands behind her with his hands resting on her shoulders.

Meghan dominates the image, while Harry is positioned firmly in the background.

“Oh wow, I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say this is one of the most striking pictures ever taken of a royal couple. It is amazing that an image can say so much,” Richard remarked.

However, he went on to say: “It is also, I don’t think it is unfair to say, absolutely absurd. That a royal couple would ever do a shoot like this is extraordinary in itself, what does it say about their changing power dynamic?”
Meghan’s body language shows that she is “in control” (Credit: SplashNews)

Meghan Markle ‘dominates’ in TIME magazine’s cover photo

Richard explained that Harry’s positioning behind Meghan was highly unusual, especially given that he is the one with royal lineage.

“Meghan dominates the image, while Harry is positioned firmly in the background. A clear reversal of the roles we might have expected as he is the royal,” he observed. “Meghan stands unquestionably confident wearing bright white, and her splayed hair stands out, while Harry pops out behind her shoulder in what just looks a bit awkward, like a child appearing behind an adult’s knee or like he wants a piggyback.”

At the time, the photo sparked intense debate. Many social media users mocked its “awkward” and “heavily airbrushed” look.

“Wow, this photo speaks volumes. There is no hiding who’s in control,” one online critic wrote.
The couple’s relationship has been scrutinised over the years (Credit: SplashNews.com)
According to Richard, the power dynamic shift was also evident after their 2018 wedding.

He observed that, as time passed, Meghan began “leading” and “guiding” the way. A telling image from their wedding day shows Meghan placing her hand over Harry’s as he put the ring on her finger.

Richard suggested that this move could symbolise her taking control.

Despite criticism of their appearances, Meghan and Harry have continued to embrace the “power couple” branding.
Harry and Meghan married in 2018 (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Since stepping back from their senior royal roles in 2020, Harry and Meghan have been building their life in California.

Meghan has an upcoming Netflix lifestyle show – With Love, Meghan – premiering on Netflix in March.

Who is Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex?

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, is the wife of King Charles III’s youngest son Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in California, United States. She is currently 43 years old. She had a career in acting before marrying into the royal family in 2018.

What did Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex do before joining the monarchy?

Former actress Meghan had a string of acting roles before she met Prince Harry, most famously playing the role of Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits.

Her acting career began at Northwestern University.

The duchess also wrote a lifestyle blog named The Tig and became heavily involved in charity work – which has continued since she met Harry.

Marrying Prince Harry

Meghan married into the royal family on May 19, 2018, when she and Prince Harry tied the knot at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Just a few months after their wedding, Meghan and Harry announced they were expecting their first child. They welcomed Prince Archie on May 6, 2019.

Two years later on June 4, 2021, the couple welcomed a daughter named Princess Lilibet. She was named after the late Queen Elizabeth II – whose nickname was Lilibet.

Months after welcoming son Archie, Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down from their senior royal roles within the royal family. They then moved to the United States and have lived there since.

Meghan has made a return to the entertainment world, launching projects with Netflix alongside Harry. In January 2025, she announced a lifestyle show named With Love, Meghan, which will see her giving cooking and gardening tips to viewers alongside a host of celebrity guests. It will premiere on March 4, 2025.

This week, a Netflix executive said the company is “excited” about future projects with the royal couple.

Let’s see what’s ahead for the couple…