In the glittering yet scrutinized world of royalty, public displays of affection (PDA) can spark endless debate. But when it comes to Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, her habit of latching onto Prince Harry’s arm or hand during events has crossed from cute couple vibes into what insiders are dubbing the “infected barnacle” move – a relentless, vice-like grip that screams possession rather than passion. Fans and critics alike are begging: Stop! Just stop already. Harry’s arm must be harboring a world of pain from her constant clawing. And with fresh photos emerging, including a striking image from their 2019 Morocco tour where Meghan appears glued to Harry’s side as they descend ancient stone steps surrounded by dignitaries, the conversation is heating up again.
Look at this telling snapshot: Meghan, dressed in a chic gray cape coat and black pants, extends her hand backward to clasp Harry’s, her fingers intertwined in what looks like an unbreakable hold. Harry, in a casual brown jacket and green trousers, follows suit with a neutral expression – but is that a hint of discomfort in his posture? The photo, captured by photographer Aaron Chown, shows the couple navigating uneven stairs in a historic Moroccan setting, with a group of suited men trailing behind. It’s a moment that, on the surface, seems romantic, but dig deeper, and it’s emblematic of a pattern that’s raising eyebrows worldwide.
Body language experts have long weighed in on this dynamic, and their verdicts aren’t flattering. According to expert Judy James, Meghan’s “double clutch” – where she often grabs Harry’s bicep or arm rather than just his hand – is a “gesture of ownership” that signals control rather than mutual support. James notes that this move shows a “surrendered” approval from Harry, but critics argue it’s more like submission. In one viral analysis, James dissected their hand-holding at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, suggesting Harry used it to “steer” Meghan through the event – but others see it as Meghan steering him, trapping his hand in a needy display that’s anything but regal.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Flash back to the 2022 service honoring the late Queen at Westminster Hall, where Harry and Meghan were spotted holding hands as they exited – a move that divided royal watchers. While some praised it as a show of unity during grief, the backlash was swift and brutal. Social media erupted with comments like, “Meghan Markle holding Harry’s hand in church! Clueless and classless,” and “How totally inappropriate! She has no idea of how to behave.” Even Business Insider highlighted the double standards, noting that other royals like Zara and Mike Tindall held hands without the same scrutiny, but Meghan’s grip seemed performative and out of place. Newsweek echoed this, quoting body language guru Jesus Enrique Rosas who called it “disrespectful.”
Fast forward to more recent outings, and the pattern persists. At the 2025 TIME100 Summit in New York City, an awkward moment went viral when Meghan seemingly reached for Harry’s hand, leaving him “hanging” in what looked like a forced PDA. A video from October 2025 shows Meghan “forcing” Harry to hold hands, fueling split rumors and online tension. Viewers labeled her “controlling,” claiming it wasn’t love but a power play. One X user captured the sentiment perfectly: “Meghan literally intimidates Harry into finishing his hug. She steps forward, locks eyes with him, and he lets go. His face looks terrified.”
And it’s not just funerals or summits – red carpet events tell the same story. In a widely shared post from July 2024, an observer noted, “I’ve been to red carpet events. The last thing you’re thinking of is holding on to your man for dear life. But of course Meghan Markle has to claw Harry and use this moment to let the whole world know that they are ‘happily married’.” This “claw” has been spotted at Invictus Games, where Meghan’s arm-linking looks less like affection and more like marking territory. As one Telegraph columnist put it in 2024, their hand-holding is “fingernails-down-the-blackboard grating” and “annoying,” urging them to stop for everyone’s sake.
Public opinion on X is even more unforgiving. Users describe Meghan “barging ahead of Harry and directing him around like a child,” refusing to respect cultural norms in places like the Middle East. Another post calls her every move “performative and manipulative,” with the hand to “guide” Harry being “farcical and beyond absurd.” One viral clip shows Harry keeping his arm closer to his body, forcing Meghan to reach further – a subtle sign of resistance? “Let him walk! So unprofessional and needy!” exclaimed a commenter. Even in casual settings, like their 2022 appearance at the UN in New York, Meghan’s grip appears aggressive, with her grabbing Harry’s hand after he lets go.
Why the strong opinions? Quora discussions delve into whether this is supportive or controlling, with many leaning toward the latter. Experts like Inbaal Honingman point to “secret signs of frustration,” such as both clutching their own wrists – a telltale of tension. And in a YouTube breakdown, the constant PDA is flagged as potentially “narcissistic control” rather than genuine love.
Of course, defenders exist. Some fans gush over the couple as “romantic” and “besotted,” arguing the hate stems from bias. But even early in their relationship, like at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, their hand-holding was PDA-heavy compared to royal norms. By 2018, it toned down for official events, but post-Megxit, it’s ramped up – perhaps as a defiant statement.
Yet, the “infected barnacle” label sticks because it feels parasitic. As one X user put it, “When she hangs on him like that, it’s not affection. She’s putting out a message that Harry is her property. That’s all he is to her.” Recent posts even brand her a “hypocrite” for privacy U-turns while clinging publicly.
To illustrate, here are some eye-opening examples:
In this collage, Meghan uses both hands for a “double clutch” during various outings, emphasizing her dominant hold.
Their first public hand-hold at the 2017 Invictus Games – casual, but setting the tone for what’s become excessive.
At a 2022 New York gala, the laughter seems staged, but the grip is real.
Another Invictus moment where Meghan’s arm is firmly linked, whispering closely – ownership on display.
And at the UN in 2022, descending steps hand-in-hand, mirroring the Morocco photo but with added scrutiny.
Is Harry in silent agony? Sources suggest his expressions often show “terror” or reluctance. With their marriage under constant speculation, this clinging could be a desperate lifeline for Meghan – but at what cost to Harry? Royal watchers are united: It’s time to let go. Literally.
