Body language expert reveals why Meghan Markle always stands with her hands clasped

Meghan Markle may be an actress by training, but what most people forget is that the 38-year-old has only been in the royal spotlight for less than two years. From her age to her background to even her baby bump, critics seem to have (unfairly) left no stone unturned when it comes to backlash against the duchess.

While royal fans have quickly jumped to her defense, her time in the Hollywood spotlight doesn't measure up in the slightest to the intense media scrutiny and public pressure she faces as a royal. Despite this, Markle hits every royal stride with the same poise, smile as before and almost always, with her hands clasped.

It's a go-to pose that body language experts say isn't just out of habit, but purposeful.

"What happens when you stand a lot? You have a go-to move, something that makes you feel comfortable, and it becomes a habit," said expert Blanca Cobb to Cosmopolitan. "It becomes part of you, and you don't think about it anymore—particularly for someone who's in the spotlight."

For Meghan, clasping her hands together may serve many purposes, including as protection from the public.

"For Meghan, having that go-to move serves a couple of purposes. It's almost like an invisible shield—like a barrier to protect herself. Her hands are clasped to give herself some more comfort and certainty when she's in the spotlight," she continued to the publication.

As for the Duchess of Cambridge, Blanca believes there's a "possibility" she worked with a body language coach to perfect her very polished stance. Explained Blanca on Kate, "Her hands aren't flapping in the wind, she's holding her hands together. A lot of people will use a body language coach to help them send off an image because they want to be perceived in a certain way."

For more on Meghan's most recent work, watch the video above.