In what royal watchers are calling a highly charged and emotionally layered reunion, Meghan Markle was seen taking two cautious, nervous steps backward upon seeing Kate Middleton for the first time since the now-infamous Oprah Winfrey interview aired in March 2021. The encounter, which reportedly took place behind closed doors at a private royal family event, has ignited speculation and debate across the globe about the true state of the relationship between the Duchess of Sussex and the Princess of Wales.

While palace aides have remained tight-lipped, insiders close to the royal household have painted a picture of palpable tension, emotional restraint, and the deeply human reaction behind what appeared to be a simple physical movement.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

The private encounter between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton occurred during a family-only pre-coronation dinner held at Clarence House earlier this year. It was the first time the two women had been in the same room since Meghan and Prince Harry sat down with Oprah, where Meghan spoke candidly about her mental health struggles, experiences of racism within the royal institution, and a specific incident where she claimed that Kate made her cry before her wedding.

While the public has since seen glimpses of both women at official events, this moment marked the first personal, unmediated interaction in years. The atmosphere, according to an anonymous source who was present, was “quiet but thick with emotion.”

“As soon as Meghan walked in and saw Kate, there was a pause,” said the source. “And that’s when Meghan took two small, but very visible steps backward.”

A Body Language Expert Weighs In

Leading body language expert Judi James reviewed footage and photographs from the evening and offered her professional interpretation.

“Meghan’s two steps back were not dramatic—but significant,” James stated. “They suggested a combination of apprehension, respect, and self-protection. This wasn’t fear, but it was a physical sign of emotional hesitancy. It was as if Meghan was checking the room for emotional safety before stepping forward.”

An Unspoken History

Meghan’s backward movement might also be a result of the heavy emotional baggage between the two women. Despite reports of reconciliation efforts, including birthday messages and floral arrangements sent between households, there has been little evidence of a genuine thaw in the relationship.

According to royal biographer Omid Scobie, author of Finding Freedom, Meghan and Kate were never close even before the fallout.

“There was no sisterhood, no frequent texting,” Scobie previously said in an interview. “Their relationship was cordial, but distant.”

Following the Oprah interview, the gap widened considerably. Meghan’s revelations—particularly the anecdote about being brought to tears by Kate—contradicted the narrative that had been circulating in the British tabloids, and left the Princess of Wales in an uncomfortable public spotlight.

Meghan’s Perspective: ‘Cautiously Hopeful’

Another source close to Meghan revealed that while she has moved forward in many aspects of her life in California with Prince Harry and their two children, Lilibet and Archie, there remains an unresolved emotional thread when it comes to Kate.

“Meghan’s been vocal privately about wanting to clear the air with Kate,” the source said. “But she also knows that some things might never be the same. That backward step? It was part nerves, part hope, and part boundaries.”

Kate’s Response: Graceful but Guarded

As for Kate, royal insiders report that she acknowledged Meghan’s movement with a slight nod and a neutral expression, neither welcoming nor dismissive.

“She didn’t reach out, but she didn’t walk away either,” a palace source said. “It was dignified—classic Kate. If anything, her stillness made Meghan’s movements more noticeable.”

Public Reaction and Media Frenzy

Unsurprisingly, the press and social media have erupted with theories. Some royal commentators praised Meghan’s subtle show of humility, while critics argued it was a calculated move to draw attention.

#KateAndMeghan trended on Twitter within hours of the encounter leaking, with thousands debating whether the moment signaled the beginning of a long-overdue reconciliation or was simply the latest installment in the royal family’s ongoing internal cold war.

What’s Next for Meghan and Kate?

While no public statements have been made by either woman, palace sources say there are no current plans for a joint appearance. However, the body language experts and insiders alike agree on one point: this encounter, and Meghan’s symbolic two steps, could mark a turning point.

“It’s not a reconciliation,” said one royal analyst. “But it’s a signal—a quiet one—that perhaps both sides are willing to find a new path forward.”

Only time will tell if these tentative steps—literal and emotional—lead to a bridge rebuilt, or if they remain just that: steps taken, but not followed through.