Touchy Meghan Markle has told Prince Harry to “keep his hands to himself” during public appearances after feeling “mortified” by his cheeky gesture at a charity gala in New York, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

The 44-year-old Duchess of Sussex and her husband, 41, recently attended the Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Gala, where they were honored as Humanitarians of the Year for their work through the Archewell Foundation.

Meghan Mortified by Red Carpet Gesture

Source: MEGAMeghan Markle looked poised at the Project Healthy Minds Gala after her husband’s cheeky gesture.

But what should have been a polished moment of celebration quickly turned awkward after cameras captured Harry patting Meghan’s bottom on the red carpet – a move insiders say left her “deeply embarrassed.”

A source close to the couple said: “Meghan was absolutely humiliated. She’s very conscious of how every detail is picked apart, and that moment made her feel like a spectacle. She told Harry afterward that there’s a time and place for affection – and the red carpet isn’t it. She’s made it clear that public displays like that are off-limits from now on.”

The couple, who have been married for seven years, are known for holding hands or exchanging glances during public engagements.

But Harry’s playful pat on the rear – which appeared to surprise Markle – sparked a flurry of online commentary and social media memes.

Meghan’s Image Takes Priority

Source: MEGAPrince Harry patted Meghan’s bottom on the red carpet, sparking viral reactions online.

According to insiders, the Duchess was upset that what she viewed as a “silly, thoughtless gesture” overshadowed their philanthropic work.

“Meghan puts a lot of effort into how they’re perceived at these events,” another insider said. “Everything from the styling to the speeches is planned with precision. So when Harry did that, she felt it undermined all the professionalism she was trying to project. She doesn’t want to come across as the giggling plus-one – she’s trying to build her credibility as a serious figure in philanthropy and business.”

Observers noted after Harry’s gesture, Markle appeared to subtly reposition his hand higher on her hip and whisper something in his ear before both smiled for photographers.

Later that evening, the couple maintained a more formal demeanor on stage as they accepted their award.

Behind-the-Scenes Tension

Source: @MEGHAN/INSTAGRAMSources revealed Meghan tightened control over the pair’s public image after the incident.

Harry, dressed in a black suit and tie, and Meghan, in a minimalist black Armani suit and gold jewelry, were praised for their coordinated look – but behind the scenes, tensions were simmering.

“She told friends she loves Harry’s spontaneity but that he needs to read the room,” said one friend. “She doesn’t want to embarrass him, but she also won’t have him turning a serious occasion into tabloid fodder.”

The incident came amid renewed scrutiny of the couple’s public image following a mixed reception to Markle’s lifestyle brand As Ever and Harry’s recent brief solo visit to Britain.

Palace insiders have privately expressed concern the pair’s “California casualness” sometimes clashes with their attempts to maintain royal gravitas.

Meghan Tightens Control Over Their Public Image

A source familiar with the Sussexes’ team said: “There’s been a real effort to polish their public image and keep things measured. Meghan’s laid down some ground rules – she’s fine with affection, but not when it risks becoming the headline. Harry means well, but she’s determined to keep things professional, especially when cameras are rolling.”

While the couple’s relationship remains strong, those close to them say Markle is taking charge of their image more firmly than ever – and putting Harry on a “tighter leash than ever.”

An insider said: “Meghan is ultra-protective of their reputation. After the charity gala, she’s made it clear – no more hands on her butt when the world can see!”

Royal Divorce Fears Erupt: Meghan Markle ‘Could Walk Away’ From Husband Prince Harry as Tension Over His Push to Return to the U.K. Mounts

As wayward Prince Harry continues to make hints that he wants to return to his homeland in the U.K., “contingency plans” are being drawn up in case it leads to him splitting from his wife, Meghan Markle.

Harry, 40, had a conciliatory meeting with his father, King Charles III, during an extended visit to England in September, marking the first time he had seen his dad in 19 months following the monarch’s cancer diagnosis.

While there, the prince enjoyed taking part in charities he worked with and reveled in the attention and adoration he once received as a working member of the British royal family.

‘Contingency Plans’ for a Split

Source: MEGAMarkle has long made it clear how miserable she was living in the UK as a working royal.

The Duke of Sussex, being reminded of the life he once enjoyed, has left Meghan, 44, “worried Harry is being pulled back into old patterns of manipulation by his family,” according to an insider.

She’s “extremely upset” about the thought of moving back to the U.K.

As a result, a “divorce plan” is in the works should the duo part ways over her refusal to relocate from California.

“The Palace is quietly drawing up contingency plans in the event of a split,” a royal insider spilled.

“The thought is that Harry might push for a return to the U.K., but Meghan won’t want to come back from the U.S. — and that schism is potentially dangerous.”

A ‘Generous’ Yet ‘Structured’ Settlement

Source: MEGAHarry has seemingly grown tired of Markle’s desire to chase the celebrity lifestyle in California.

The source continued, “We’re told courtiers are said to be ‘considering a golden handshake’ settlement, which would be ‘more generous than might be assumed, but heavily structured.'”

The palace doesn’t want Markle to spill more secrets about Harry’s family and is making provisions that she can’t discuss the royals in exchange for keeping her regal title.

Said the insider about the plan, “It would include a strict gagging order designed to prevent further exposés of private life. It’s like with Princess Diana all over again — only, this time the language will be tighter, and the penalties for breaking it heavier.”

“The agreement would also grant Meghan the continued use of her Duchess of Sussex title. The Palace sees it as a face-saving measure, because tearing it away from her could spark a media war.'”

‘Drawn to Come Back’ to England

Source: MEGAHarry was all smiles arriving at the WellChild Awards in London last month.

Singer Joss Stone added fuel to the fire about the wayward prince wanting to move back to England, explaining how they shared an interest in their respective children’s education.

Stone, 38, is a mother of four young kids and performed at the WellChild Awards, where Harry was on hand to present an award while in London.

“He was saying how wonderful the schools are here and how important community is for children. It was nice to share that with him because it’s exactly why we felt drawn to come back – for the kids to grow up surrounded by family, friends, and a strong sense of belonging and most importantly in a safe environment,” she gushed.

About Their Children

Source: MEGAHarry and Markle’s young children have grown up in Montecito, California.

According to the royal insider, the palace wants to confirm that “the future of Archie and Lilibet would be pre-mapped in meticulous detail,” referring to Harry and Markle’s 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.

“Schooling, where they live, custody, and travel permissions would all be agreed upon until the age of 18. It’s about controlling the narrative and protecting the monarchy. They don’t want a messy tug-of-war over the children splashed across every newspaper,” the source said about what could happen in the event of a split.

“Harry wants to root the kids in Britain, but he can’t until he’s assured of their protection. On the Palace’s side, aides are keenly aware this push could shift public sympathy. If he’s painted as being blocked from returning home by the establishment, that narrative becomes a powerful weapon,” the source added.

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