WATCH: Meghan Markle Rejects Prince Harry's Kiss in Front of 20,000 Spectators

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In an outing that was marked by a playful and affectionate display of affection between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, cameras captured an awkward moment as the couple attended a basketball game between the Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The event was also the couple's first public appearance since rumors have been circulating about Meghan's potential absence from King Charles III's coronation.

Rejection in Front of 20,000 Fans

During the game, Prince Harry attempted to steal a kiss from Meghan, but was met with rejection in front of 20,000 spectators.

The audience began clapping and encouraging the couple to kiss, but Meghan declined the offer. Body language expert Judi James described the situation as flirty, with Meghan using a "partial barrier gesture" to reject Harry's advances.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in LA! #NBACelebRow pic.twitter.com/F8pPin9CG8 — NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2023

Meghan Takes the Lead in Protecting Their Dignity

James stated, "Giggling and flirting together at the basketball, Harry and Meghan’s body language last night might just have provided a snapshot of their mood and dynamic prior to the even more public moment on May 6, when Harry will presumably be sitting in solitary, isolated and reflective mode at his father's coronation in the UK.

These are first-date, flirty signals from the couple, who use head closeness and eye engagement to show their levels of bonding." She went on to explain that Meghan's hand-to-mouth movement, while coy and flirty, also served as a partial barrier against any public display of affection.

James notes that "Meghan manages to turn the kiss down but still use giggling and flirting signals to show her levels of attachment and affection." The couple's dynamic leading up to the even more public moment on May 6th, when Harry is set to attend his father's coronation in the UK, was captured in their body language at the basketball game.

Meghan's decision to protect their dignity was evident as she placed her right hand on Harry's arm to keep him in his seat, while Harry jokingly grimaced at the fans. As for their upcoming plans, Harry will travel to Great Britain alone for the coronation, while Meghan will celebrate her son Archie's 4th birthday in California.

The media has been speculating about the reasons for Meghan's non-arrival for weeks, but no official confirmation has been made.