A fleeting, awkward exchange between Prince Harry and filmmaker Spike Lee at Game 5 of the NBA Finals provoked online criticism this week.
The Duke of Sussex, 41, attended the June 13 match at the Frost Bank Center with Meghan Markle, positioned in the eighth row as the New York Knicks triumphed over the host San Antonio Spurs to secure the franchise’s first NBA championship in 53 years.
Courtside positions were reserved for celebrities, including Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller.
Video captured Harry moving towards Lee, 69, offering a hand for a handshake that wasn’t immediately reciprocated.
The prince momentarily rested a hand on the director’s torso before the pair clasped hands, and Harry continued onwards. The footage rapidly divided observers.
Judi James, a body-language analyst, told the Daily Express US about how the exchange could be interpreted.
“This gruesome-looking ‘greeting’ ritual appears to involve some non-verbal ‘banter’ that kicks off a grin from Harry, who was treated to not just a seat at the rear of the stalls, but an apparent partial handshake-cut from someone one row further back,” she said.
“Harry looks quite invested in his greeting here, reaching out his hand and arm while pushing his other elbow out for balance. Spike appears to keep his hands clasped behind his back though, which sparks off some awkward looking gesticulation between them. Pointing like this does mime a form of attack and the way Harry places a hand on the other mans chest looks almost like a push or restraining gesture.
“They do appear to clasp hands after all this ‘playful’ behaviour but Harry must be unused to having his proffered hand left hanging.”
Lip reader Nicola Hickling, also speaking to the Daily Express US, said the conversation was cordial.
By her account, Harry opened with “Hey,” prompting Lee to ask, “Hey, you team Spurs or Knicks, man?” Harry replied, “Team Knicks here,” and Lee gestured to himself in apparent agreement.
The occasion coincided with King Charles III’s official birthday Trooping the Colour parade taking place in London, an event which both Harry and Markle chose not to attend.
The couple has been absent from the event since June 2022.