Meghan Markle ‘acted like a small child wanting a cuddle’ as she put on an ‘intensely affectionate’ display with Nacho Figueras’ family for a Netflix shoot yesterday, a body language expert has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted with Nacho Figueras and his wife Delfina in Palm Beach, where Prince Harry was filming scenes for his upcoming Netflix series about polo.

During filming, Meghan was seen warmly embracing Harry’s polo-playing friend, his wife Delfina – who was previously referred to the Duchess as a ‘sister’ – and their eight-year-old daughter Alba.

Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James described how Meghan showed ‘unity’ with Delfina – as they were pictured walking off with their arms around one another.

She asked: ‘Meghan approached Nacho’s wife with both arms held out straight for a hug.

Meghan Markle seen hugging a woman thought to be Delfina Blaquier during a Netflix shoot in Palm Beach yesterday
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Meghan Markle seen hugging a woman thought to be Delfina Blaquier during a Netflix shoot in Palm Beach yesterday

‘This gesture is intensely affectionate because, as an intentional or an announcement gesture it mimes a small child wanting to be picked up by its parent for a cuddle.’

What’s more, Judi said the way the women walked together also gave insight into their extremely close relationship.

The expert continued: ‘As the two women walk together they lean their heads in to touch. Head closeness is a sign of trust as well as a symbol of unity and like-minded thinking.

‘Their arms are twined around each others’ torsos and they are totally in step despite the height differential. They look as though they have been best friends for years.’

On top of this, the expert also noted how Meghan’s show of warmth towards the couple and their child was a rare coincided with news that she is working on a new Netflix series around the topic of friendship.

Judi explained: ‘Meghan’s body language displays with the Figueres family appear to comprehensively nail the non-verbal definition of friendship, which is a complete coincidence given that is said to be one of the themes of her Netflix shows.

‘We haven’t seen Meghan looking so utterly tactile and unreservedly warm before but it does show a hidden ‘private’ side to her that is so on-brand with her new subject-matter.’

However, Meghan’s warm body language during these interactions were the result of ‘slow-built’ affection.

Meghan Markle displayed ‘slow-built affection’ towards polo player Nacho Figueras, a body language expert claimed
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Meghan Markle displayed ‘slow-built affection’ towards polo player Nacho Figueras, a body language expert claimed

Meghan Markle, seen here with a hat-covered woman believed to be Delfina Blaquier, traded her stilettos for $760 Hermes flip-flops and breezy linens one day after being mocked for her impractical on-field attire at a charity polo match in Miami, Florida
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Meghan Markle, seen here with a hat-covered woman believed to be Delfina Blaquier, traded her stilettos for $760 Hermes flip-flops and breezy linens one day after being mocked for her impractical on-field attire at a charity polo match in Miami, Florida

Later in the day, Meghan was also seen hugging the couple’s eight-year-old daughter Alba (pictured)
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Later in the day, Meghan was also seen hugging the couple’s eight-year-old daughter Alba (pictured)

The Duchess, 42, was seen in Palm Beach this weekend as she joined her husband Prince Harry for his new Netflix show about the genteel world of polo
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The Duchess, 42, was seen in Palm Beach this weekend as she joined her husband Prince Harry for his new Netflix show about the genteel world of polo

Meghan opted for a more casual outfit for Saturday’s shoot
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She dinned a light blue linen button-down shirt and breezy white pants
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Appearing relaxed and at ease, the couple was joined by close friends and a dozen-strong Netflix film crew for the new production

The expert said: ‘Meghan has of course always shown a capacity for tactile and loving PDAs with both her husband and at causes she supports but the way she walks along with Nacho’s wife here and her hug with his young daughter hints at a level of friendship that usually only comes with time and slowly-built affection.

‘Meghan’s embrace of Nacho’s daughter is also warm and affectionate. She wraps the girl in both her arms for what looks like a prolonged hug and adds a kiss on the head to add to the suggestion of affection.’

For Saturday’s shoot, donning a light blue linen button-down shirt and breezy white trousers.

Completing her ensemble were matching cream-colored Hermes Oran flat sandals, priced at $760 on the French designer brand’s website.

In 2022, Delfina praised Meghan as being ‘stronger than she knows’ in an interview with Hello! magazine.

In 2022, following a glamorous polo meet in Aspen, Colorado, Delfina said: ‘[Meghan] is so wonderful and strong. Stronger than she knows. I love being around my friends, and I will always support her.’

In the summer of 2022, Delfina took to her social media account to share an affectionate message about the Duchess of Sussex, saying it had been ‘so special’ to spend time with her. 

Meghan was also seen affectionately greeting the couple’s eight-year-old daughter Alba – giving her a kiss on the head and a warm hug
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Meghan was also seen affectionately greeting the couple’s eight-year-old daughter Alba – giving her a kiss on the head and a warm hug

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were joined at Friday’s charity polo match by Nacho Figueras – who is known as the ‘David Beckham of polo’ – and his wife, Argentine socialite Delfina Blaquier
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were joined at Friday’s charity polo match by Nacho Figueras – who is known as the ‘David Beckham of polo’ – and his wife, Argentine socialite Delfina Blaquier

Meghan smiled and waved at the cameras on Friday as she walked hand-in-hand with Nacho and Delfina’s daughter Alba
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Meghan smiled and waved at the cameras on Friday as she walked hand-in-hand with Nacho and Delfina’s daughter Alba

Posting a snap of the pair standing while watching their husbands compete at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, Delfina wrote: ‘M – looking forward to many more of these times with you and H.

‘Getting to spend time together over these two months was so special. I wish everyone knew you the way you are.’

She continued: ‘My sister, my now fellow “pwife” (polo wife) -genius of you to come up with this. Can’t wait to see you again soon, to share thrill, hikes, and just more chill time.’

Delfina added: ‘You also have my respect. Keep walking, steady and strong. Listen to your heart, that will guide you well, because you have a big one and it’s a beautiful one. I love you my darling.’

Delfina first met her husband Nacho at a polo match in Buenos Aires in 1997. They started dating in early 1998 and welcomed their first son in 2000, and wed in December 2005.

The couple now has four children together: Hilario; Aurora; Artemo; and Alba.

Described by Tatler as ‘the David Beckham of Polo’, Nacho now holds a 6-goal handicap and an estimated net worth of $30million and has been modelling for Ralph Lauren since 2000.