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Why Meghan Markle sat behind Kate Middleton at Commonwealth Day service

It's kind of obvious.
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The royal family was out in full force on Monday at the annual Commonwealth Day service. 

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All eyes were on the “firm” as the event is always huge on the royal calendar, and this year it was even more in the spotlight as it was the final royal engagement for Prince Harry and his wife.

However, fans of the Sussexes have called into question why Meghan Markle had to sit on the row behind Kate Middleton in Westminster Abbey during the service.

WATCH: Kate and William snub Meghan and Harry at Commonwealth Service

The reason for the seating placement is quite simple, and is nothing more than tradition. 

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As in previous years, the more senior royals sit closest to the altar.

This means Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, Kate and Prince William were all in the front row.

Behind them were Prince Harry and Meghan, and Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex.

meg
Meghan and Harry sat on the second row (Credit: BBC)
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(Credit: BBC)

The details come after the Duchesses were reunited in what can only be described as an awkward encounter.

The two royals were taking part in the Queen’s Commonwealth Day procession at Westminster Abbey on Monday, when their first encounter was caught on camera.

Unlike previous years, where both the Cambridges and Sussexes joined the royal procession, this year the couples were instead escorted to their respective seats.

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Kate and Meghan
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton have finally been reunited in what can only be described as an awkward encounter. (Credit: Getty)

Harry and Meghan were the first couple to be escorted to their seats in the second row, before Wills and Kate, who arrived a short time later and sat in the front row.

Video footage shows William and Kate taking their seats, as the Sussexes watch on while chatting to Harry’s uncle Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

At one point, Meghan appears to say “hello” and partially waves to Wills and Kate, which appears to go unnoticed.

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Harry and Meghan William and Kate
The two royals were taking part in the Queen’s Commonwealth Day procession at Westminster Abbey on Monday, when their first encounter was caught on camera. (Credit: Getty)

William then appears to acknowledge his brother and sister-in-law, as he looks across the chairs in their direction, however, Kate’s gaze is brief as she turns around and sits down.

Despite seemingly been snubbed, Meghan stunned in an emerald green caped dress by Emilia Wickstead, while Kate looked chic in burgundy Catherine Walker coat, according to Hello magazine.

Harry and Meghan William and Kate
Harry and Meghan were the first couple to be escorted to their seats in the second row, before Wills and Kate, who arrived a short time later and sat in the front row. (Credit: Getty)
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As part of the service, guests were treated to performances by British X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, and Craig David, while boxing champion Anthony Joshua gave a moving speech at the service.

Harry and Meghan are due to step down on March 31, and Monday’s outing was the first time they saw William and Kate since they stepped out together for Remembrance Day events in November.

Harry and Meghan William and Kate
William then appears to acknowledge his brother and sister-in-law, as he looks across the chairs in their direction, however, Kate’s gaze is brief as she turns around and sits down. (Credit: Getty)

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