A body language expert said Harry was trying to defend his wife from the paparazzi

Prince Harry stepped into a “protective role”, acting like Meghan Markle’s “personal bodyguard” who appeared “coy” among A-list celebrities.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined big names such as Oprah Winfrey and Adele to mark the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch’s 70th birthday, held at Jeff Bezos’s $165million (£125million) mansion in Beverly Hills.

Harry led the Sussexes into the venue, walking slightly ahead of Meghan, who arrived with a gleeful smile.

UK body language expert Judi James explained that the prince wanted to protect his wife from paparazzi, taking a serious approach.

Prince Harry stepped into a ‘protective’ role alongside Meghan Markle, attending the event with A-list celebrities, including Serena Williams (centre)

 | GETTY

They told the Daily Mail: “In star terms, this reflects her return to the big screen as an actress, while he seems to be back in ‘Spare’ mode here.

“Harry’s expressionless mode directs the attention to his wife here, although his ritual is one favored by the likes of Travis Kelce, with the outstretched arm held behind and away from his torso to suggest muscle power, and with his hand gripped around Meghan’s in a similar ‘Big Paw’ Travis grasp that speaks of a desire to protect as they go past the press.”

The expert discussed Meghan’s recent announcement about her return to acting, where she will play herself in an upcoming Hollywood movie.

Ms James explained that when entering the event, Meghan strolled in with confidence, knowing she was a “big star”.

Meghan, pictured alongside Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Serena Williams and Norah Weinstein

 | GETTY

The body language expert said: “There are several rankings of A-list body language behaviour on arrival at a venue or party, and they vary between the Kim Kardashian ‘Solo Goddess’ camera-friendly look to an Adele ‘hiding my face with my bag’ pose that suggests she’s too cool and famous to need the publicity.

“A cut-off ritual like the lowered and hidden eyes suggests a coy lack of need to perform for the cameras, and it implies an assumption of rabid press interest rather than a courting of it.

“But Meghan also performs a smile of utter delight here. Her cheeks are rounded, and her lips are hiked up high at the corners to create a symmetric shape.

“A smile like this will be an acknowledgement to the fans and the cameras, but without any posing effort or showboating.”

Meghan Markle announced her return to acting this week

 | GETTY

Their arrival came as Meghan ended her eight-year hiatus from acting.

The Duchess of Sussex is set to star in Close Personal Friends alongside Brie Larson and Lily Collins.

Meghan announced her retirement from acting in 2017, having earned fame in the popular TV series Suits.

She has been seen on set in Pasadena, Los Angeles, playing herself in the Amazon MGM Studios production, as revealed by The Sun.

Meghan will star in a Hollywood movie as herself

 | GETTY

A studio source said: “This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves.

“She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right.

“It is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set.

“Everyone involved is super-excited, and have been sworn to secrecy about her involvement.”