Prince Harry had an "air of reflection and sadness" on his early return to the US after last week's Jubilee celebrations, according to a body language expert.
The Duke of Sussex and wife Meghan Markle were noticeably absent during events to mark the Queen 's 70-year reign - and were seated at the opposite side of St Paul's Cathedral for the only engagement they did attend, a Thanksgiving Service on Friday.
Two days later they left the UK prior to the conclusion of the final events, with Harry spotted in the front seat of a black Range Rover after touching down in Santa Barbara, California.
Body language expert Judi James told The Mirror his body language "suggested an air of reflection and sadness", noting his "solid lip clamp" and the "way his eyes are averted to gaze out of the window".
She added: "He might be holding a phone to his ear but if so his conversation isn’t looking animated or upbeat and if not his hand to chin gesture would add to the look of quiet reflection."
And referring to the Sussexes' only public appearance at St Paul's, Ms James said: "Meghan and Harry did a heroic job of looking resilient and upbeat while keeping a low profile and avoiding any signals of anything bordering on drama, although Harry’s body language leakage signals of inner anxiety were pronounced.
"Being relegated from the super-popular, A-list prince of Netflix who is cheered to the rafters for his campaigns to make the world a better place to the back row royal position at St Paul’s must have hurt and it would only seem natural if he did rush back for a return visit any day soon, if ever."
The tension has been heightened between the couple and the rest of the royal family since their interview with Oprah last year, during which they made allegations of racism and Meghan spoke openly about her fractured relationship with Kate.
Last weekend was the first public appearance Harry and Meghan had made alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge since moving to the US two years ago.
It is also thought to be the first time that the Queen met their baby daughter, Lilibet, who celebrated her first birthday last Saturday in the UK.
An informal garden party was reportedly held at Frogmore Cottage, with many of Lilibet's royal cousins in attendance.
Meghan and Harry later released a picture of their daughter, who was captured smiling and dressed in a pale blue frock with a white bow in her hair during the birthday picnic.
A family friend also shared a black and white snap on Twitter of Meghan holding Lilibet alongside the words: "It was such a privilege to celebrate the 1st birthday of Lilibet with my family and hers! Joy and face painting all around."
Ms James said: "After the visual isolation in the UK it’s a relief to see Meghan’s birthday photo with Lilibet signalling relaxed, informal fun with the photographer’s small family group.
"Meghan looks excited and her usual affectionate self again and there will presumably be some shots of Harry doing similar to remind fans of his relief at being back in the place he now calls home."
The party included picnic food, party games, balloons and a cake, The Sun reported, and the one-year-old was presented with a number of lavish gifts including a pink toy car.
