Meghan Markle has adopted a ‘presidential and persuasive’ voice

Meghan Markle is copying the Queen’s rhetorical style to make herself sound ‘presidential’ in their Spotify podcast trailer, a behaviour expert has claimed. 

The Duchess of Sussex, 39, said ‘my husband and I’ when referring to Prince Harry on the recording, in a move reminiscent of the Queen and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who often use the same rhetorical technique, according to a UK-based body language expert.

Judi James told FEMAIL: ‘Despite the fact that “just Harry’ has already introduced himself, Meghan switches to a regal-sounding formality when she then refers to “My husband and I…” as though he weren’t actually present with her. 

‘This is a phrase famously used by the Queen and adds a royal air to their trailer.’

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced yesterday they will produce and host their own shows as part of the newly formed Archewell Audio – starting with a ‘holiday special’ that ‘uplifts audiences around the world’.   

Meghan Markle has adopted a ‘presidential and persuasive’ voice, while Prince Harry (pictured together) is ‘less confident’ but ‘is keen to get it all right for his wife’ in the trailer for their new Spotify podcast, a behaviour expert has claimed

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they will produce and host their own shows as part of the newly formed Archewell Audio (pictured) – starting with a ‘holiday special’ that ‘uplifts audiences around the world’

Analysing the trailer, Judi, who also claimed Prince Harry sounds ‘less confident’ than his former actress wife, said Meghan used ‘persuasive’ techniques to convince her husband to take the lead, while switching to a ‘more professional and partly-presidential tone’. 

Judi said: ‘Meghan’s response to Prince Harry’s attempt at some old-fashioned charm (when he says “Ladies first”) is to show what might be a clue about some of her persuasion and motivation techniques with her husband.

‘To get him to go first she uses flattery rather than active assertiveness, telling him that “It sounds really nice in your accent” is a passive “nudge” technique that can often prove successful in a relationship. 

‘The flattery and the flirtatious tone clearly resonates with Harry, who does what Meghan wants but with a purr in his voice to show he loves the compliment.’ 

Their trailer opens with the duke, 36, saying to his wife: ‘Ladies first’ before Meghan says: ‘No you say it first because I think it sounds really nice with your accent’. 

Commenting on the Queen’s grandson’s speech skills during the trailer, Judi said: ‘Harry sounds much less confident than Meghan here. He uses verbal techniques to fast-track rapport and friendship in what could be an attempt to avoid being criticised or judged.  

Meanwhile, Angela Levin told talkRADIO that the duchess, 39, was ‘slightly patronising and very regal’ on Monday, when praising the ‘quiet heroes’ of the coronavirus pandemic in a clip recorded for CNN (pictured)

‘He fluffs a line slightly and his “Hi guys, I’m Harry” suggests a playful attempt to lower his status and appeal to a younger audience.’ 

‘In contrast, Meghan uses power-raising verbal techniques while adding a soft, warm, caring vocal tone to infuse her messages with the kind of warmth and kindness she is promoting,’ added Judi. 

‘Her opening sentence is strikingly similar to the kind of intros that Michelle Obama does for her podcast trailers. Michell will stress her passion for conversations that dig deep and Meghan tells us how she and “my husband always talk about our passion for meeting people”. 

‘This is a partly-presidential tone, setting out their credentials by suggesting they meet people regularly on a global scale.’ 

Meghan and Harry released a trailer of their new podcast last night. Pictured, a transcript of Meghan and Harry’s teaser for their project

The body language and behaviour expert isn’t the only one to have noticed Meghan’s new ‘regal tone’, with royal author Angela Levin echoing a similar conclusion earlier in the week.

She spoke to talkRADIO about Meghan’s appearance on CNN on Monday, when the duchess praised the ‘quiet heroes’ of the coronavirus pandemic who have supported communities.

Angela said: ‘[Meghan] does try to be very regal despite the fact that she wanted to get out of the Royal Family. She’s very regal, she talks down to us, she’s slightly patronising.’

The commentator continued: ‘She always uses the “we” term, the royal we term. That means that everybody must agree with her because she knows what everybody’s thinking. She’s entitled to say what she likes, of course, but it’s her way of saying it.’

Meghan’s appearance on CNN marked the first time the duchess has been seen since revealing she suffered a miscarriage this summer.

Meghan’s appearance on CNN on Monday, pictured, when the duchess praised the ‘quiet heroes’ of the coronavirus pandemic who have supported communities 

She said in the clip: ‘We saw communities standing up and taking action. When kids’ lunch programs came to a halt, we saw our neighbours make sure that those children received the nutrition they need.’ 

She added that ‘we as a community showed up’ to deliver food needed by vulnerable people, adding that ‘we also saw the power of the human spirit’ and that ‘we have the power to remind someone else that there is hope’. 

She did not address her own loss, but told how 2020 had been ‘a year that has been universally challenging for everyone,’ before praising those who rose to the occasion and fed hungry neighbours going through tough times.

Meghan had been speaking as part of the CNN Heroes series which praises those making a difference in communities.