Meghan Markle's five different types of hugs explained including the 'koala hug' - expert

Meghan Markle, 43, does not shy away from affection and over the years has been pictured embracing friends, companions and event attendees.

In her Netflix docuseries titled Harry & Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex even stated: "Like I was a hugger, always been a hugger", when referring to her mannerisms as part of her life within the Royal Family.

Body language expert, Judi James, has since analysed the potential different meanings behind Meghan's tendency to touch, with hugs carrying "different emotional functions", as reported in the Daily Mail.

Here are five of Meghan Markle's hugging styles and an expert perspective on the tactile forms of communication.

1. Koala Hug

In 2016, Meghan Markle was pictured hugging her former best friend and stylist, Jessica Mulroney, at a World Vision event in Toronto, where Meghan filmed for a TV show, Suits.

Judi describes this hug as a "koala hug" and said, "It is quite a childlike display". Judi described it as like they "feel in need of protection against the rest of the world".

2. Holding hands on the red carpet

Meghan attended a charity gala in support of LA Children's Hospital earlier this month with her close friend Kelly McKee Zajfen.

The Duchess of Sussex clasped Kelly's hands with both of her own hands, almost blocking her body with Kelly's arm.

Judi explained she "sees her friend as a strong, protective presence".

For the red carpet appearance, Meghan wore a recycled £4,595 ($5,990) red Carolina Herrera dress that she previously wore to a New York City gala to honour military personnel on the eve of Veterans Day and Armistice Day in 2021.

The glamorous event, held at LA Live’s event deck, featured performances by Demi Lovato and appearances from Hollywood stars like Kaley Cuoco and Jamie Lee Curtis.

3. Hand on shoulder

Meghan also uses more subtle poses from time to time. In 2023, she was pictured with renowned journalist and feminist activist Gloria Steinem, for the Women of Vision Awards, and posed on the red carpet with her arm over the journalist's shoulder.

Judi explained this gesture is "a signal of camaraderie or shared thinking for the camera".

Meghan wore a shimmering gold strapless dress by Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz, and walked onto the stage to the song "Girl On Fire" by Alicia Keys during the event, accepting an award for life-long advocacy for women and girls.

4. Hand on shoulders and stare

Meghan was pictured in a "dominant-looking hug" with co-star and actor Rick Hoffman at the Suits season five premiere in Los Angeles in 2016.

Judi described the motion as "pinning the other person affectionately and using questioning eye contact".

The growing speculation about Meghan's potential return to Suits was fueled after her co-star Patrick J Adams who said he was "open to" working with her on a potential spin-off for Suits at the Golden Globes enthusing: "Yes, yes let's go, I'll do it. Yeah, I'm ready, Mike and Rachel in Seattle."

5. Group hug

Another style of hug Meghan Markle favours, is a group hug.

Meghan shared a hug with women she worked with at the Hubb Community Kitchen in west London in 2018, after launching a charity cookbook supporting families affected by the devastating Grenfell Tower fire.

Judi described the hug as being about "joint ventures". She told the Daily Mail: "There's no giggling but some hint of chat inside the hug and it resembles the kind of group hug you used to get in business to bond the team and register empathy."