Why Meghan and Kate were on separate balconies on Remembrance Sunday

All eyes were on the Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex this weekend as they attended the Remembrance Sunday memorial service at the Cenotaph in London.

The sombre occasion marked the first time the royals had been seen together since an ITV documentary appeared to confirm a rift between their husbands and some fans were hoping to see the Duchesses and their husbands standing together.

But, while the Duchess of Cambridge stood with Queen Elizabeth and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Sussex was positioned on a separate balcony with Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne’s husband.

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It is tradition that members of the Royal Family accompany the Queen to the annual Remembrance Sunday Service, but this year’s occasion also marked the so-called Fab Four’s first reunion since Prince Harry hinted that there may have been some truth behind those rift rumours in the documentary.

But before more fire is added to the in-fight fire, the real reason the royals were standing apart has everything to do with protocol and nothing to do with drama.

As Hello! magazine reports, at such occasions royals are required to stand according to their order of precedence in the royal family, which means that rather than hinting at an ongoing feud, the two families were actually just abiding by royal rules.

When Prince Philip retired from royal duties, the Duchess of Cambridge took his place, and it makes sense she was given the spot considering her husband, Prince William, will one day be king.

It is also understandable that Prince Charles's wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall takes up a position next to the queen as her husband will also one day be on the throne.

Just to further disappoint those hoping for more drama behind the move, royal fans will no doubt recall Meghan and Kate taking up their separate positions last year, with Kate standing next to the Queen with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Meghan watching from another balcony window with the wife of the German president, Elke Büdenbender.

So there you have it, yesterday’s event was a shade-free zone. And rightly so considering the importance of the occasion.

Yesterday’s service marked the second remembrance event of the weekend with the Royal Family attending the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday, which both Kate and Meghan also attended.

Arriving at the Royal Albert Hall in London with Prince William, 37, the Duchess of Cambridge donned a form-fitting navy dress, custom-made by Jenny Packham, which featured a boat-neck and velvet belt.

Meanwhile, Meghan, 38, stunned in a bespoke black brocade dress by Erdem - complete with a subtle collar, button and belt detailing, and a flared skirt.

The Duchess of Sussex, who arrived with Prince Harry accessorised with a pair of ruby earrings by Jessica McCormak, understood to be worth £25,700.

Archie’s mum finished off her look with a navy version of her favourite £490 Aquazzura heels, a small red poppy, and a patent black clutch bag.

On Friday, the Duchesses both opted for shades of blue at two different events in London.

Kate, 37, visited London’s St Martin-in-Field this morning for the launch of National Emergencies Trust. The independent charity will provide emergency response to disasters in the UK.

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For the event, the Duchess of Cambridge wore belted long-sleeved dress by one of her go-to British designer’s: Emilia Wickstead.

In contrast, Meghan, 38, wrapped up warm in a thick wool coat for her engagement.

The duchess attended the 91st Field of Remembrance ceremony at London’s Westminster Abbey with Prince Harry. The Field of Remembrance was opened by the Duke of Sussex’s grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh.