Meghan Markle Uses Several Tricks Including Not Smiling Too Big to Remain as Photogenic as Possible, Expert Says

Though we now know how much she was struggling amid the pressure and constant scrutiny of being a woman of color in the British royal family, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex always looked flawless. From her perfectly coordinated outfits to her barely-there makeup looks and her hairstyles, the duchess mastered the royal look.

We’re certain that her royal advisors gave the Suits alum some tips about how to look effortless in the spotlight. However, as a former actress, Meghan undoubtedly picked up some things on her own.

Now that she has returned to LA, we’ve seen more laidback images of the Duchess of Sussex. However, whether she’s been spotted volunteering or on a Zoom call, Meghan has managed to remain as flawless as possible.

Meghan Markle was very controlling over her image as a senior royal

Things got so bad for Meghan amid the news stories and tabloid speculation when she was living in the U.K. she reportedly became convinced there was a conspiracy against her. Therefore, when she was out in public, she was determined to look absolutely perfect.

“As an actress, Meghan expects perfection, But when you’re in the royal family, you have to learn that it’s not about you, it’s about what you represent,” Duncan Larcombe, who covered the royal family for London’s The Sun explained to Page Six.

Unfortunately, the Duchess’ determination to look perfect only garnered more criticism from the British aristocracy. “Meghan is much better educated and more academic,” Lady Colin Campbell told the Independent when comparing the former actress to the late Princess Diana. “Meghan is almost disturbingly self-confident… We must hope she realizes that her vision is not the only vision.”

Prince Harry used to make it difficult for photographers to get good pictures of Meghan Markle

Whether he did so inadvertently or not, Prince Harry often made it challenging for the paparazzi to get photos of his wife when they were at royal engagements or events.

“Ms. Markle and Prince Harry are very much in love, in fact, it’s hard for me to capture a picture of them each alone because they always either locked in each other’s gazes or joined hands,” Shutterstock’s royal photographer Tim Rooke told InStyle. “We like to get fashion shots of what she’s wearing on these occasions, but they are often hard to get because she’s always holding Harry’s hand, making it difficult to get the full fashion shot without cropping out her arm.”

When the Sussexes announced Meghan’s pregnancy with their son, Archie Harrison, the duke shielded his wife even further. “[Harry] worries there is too much hysteria around Meghan, and he wants to row back a bit,”  royal expert Katie Nicholl told Vanity Fair at the time.

Inside Meghan Markle’s tips to remain as photogenic as possible

Still, when photogs did manage to capture shots of Meghan solo, they were almost always perfect. According to Who What Wear, the duchess used eight tried and true tricks to remain as photogenic as possible.

Meghan never smiles too big, because it can appear forced. She has often been photographed holding something in her hand which helps many people to feel relaxed. During her acting days, the duchess mastered the pose of cocking one hip to the side and pointing the opposite leg which helps to elongate the body.

The Duchess of Sussex knows her angles, and she was often photographed tilting her head down and slightly to the side, which is almost always photographic gold. Even on her Zoom calls, the duchess’ posture is always on point. Though she was often called out for her “non-royal” wardrobe, Meghan has been the master of bold pops of color which photograph wonderfully. She has been careful to always showcase her jewelry, even though she couldn’t necessarily sponsor it, the brands she chooses to wear are deliberate.

Finally, Meghan is known for wearing pieces that accentuate her waist which is a universal tip for all body types.