Prince Harry performed a very subtle gesture to Meghan Markle in their new video message that gave a glimpse into their relationship, according to an expert.

The clip shows the Sussexes in their first public appearance together in months, delivering a message that was played to a United Nations conference in Colombia on ending violence against children. The pair discuss the importance of prioritising children’s safety while they are online – a cause that they have been heavily championing.

It is the first time they have been seen side by side since they made a string of telling solo appearances, despite Meghan once describing her and Harry as like “salt and pepper” as they always “move together”. According to a source close to the couple, the reason for the solo appearance is down to a shift in their ventures.

And body language expert Judi James noted Harry in a very particular gesture towards the end of the clip. She told the Mirror: “The projected message from their body language here is one of a very regal presence as well as unity. The couple stand formally, straight on to the camera and with no touch rituals at the start as Meghan even uses the royal ‘My husband and I’ line.

“Their outfits are the same sombre navy jackets while Harry adopts a military pose with his hands clasped behind his back, in keeping with the Remembrance theme of the poppies in their lapels. Meghan starts with her hands clasped in front before mirroring her husband by moving the clasp to behind her back in a show of like-minded purpose and thinking.

“Harry stays firmly in authoritative, serious mode for his part of the speech, unsmiling but using small cocking gestures of his head to motivate his audience. Meghan’s approach is softer and she is the one throwing frequent glances of affection and support at Harry as he speaks to suggest admiration and encouragement.

“There is even what looks like a performed signal of togetherness when Harry, towards the end of the video, suddenly puts his arm out around Meghan’s back, not in a tactile hug as there is a gap between their torsos, but in what looks like a desire to show them as a bonded double act.”

In the clip, Harry says: “We are at a crossroads”, adding: “The urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident. While the necessity has always been apparent, it’s now time to translate that awareness into meaningful action.”

Meghan gazes at her husband while he talks before she explains: “My husband and I recognise that today’s reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology, which, of course, has many positives. However, it also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age.”

“At the Archewell Foundation, we engage with young people, families and experts worldwide, learning about how every aspect of a child’s life — from their livelihood to their physical and mental well-being — now operates within an online economy that has both the power to shape and misshape our connections.”