Prince Edward was praised for diffusing any possible tension as he took his seat between the Sussexes and the Cambridges at the Commonwealth Day service today.
The Earl of Wessex, 55, was seen chatting to Meghan Markle, 38, and Prince Harry, 35, as the royals took their seats at Westminster Abbey this afternoon.
Edward, who was joined by his wife Sophie, 55, deftly bridged the conversation gap between the Sussexes and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who were seated on the row in front.
Bridging the gap: The Earl of Wessex, 55, was seen chatting to Meghan Markle, 38, and Prince Harry, 35, as the royals took their seats at Westminster Abbey this afternoon
Diplomatic: Edward’s relaxed, easy-going nature was noted by royal supporters watching at home, who said he was ‘chatting’ and ‘giggling’ with Meghan to help put her at ease
Edward’s relaxed, easy-going nature was noted by royal supporters watching at home, who said he was ‘chatting’ and ‘giggling’ with Meghan to help put her at ease.
One tweeted: ‘Prince Edward, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle giggling away together is the content I wanted to see. Good vibes all round!’
Another commented on Instagram: ‘Honestly Harry and Meghan and the earl look the most ordinary people there just having there own little conversation.’
The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were in turn followed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Light-hearted: Meghan smiled as she chatted to Edward ahead of the service this afternoon
Edward, who was joined by his wife Sophie, 55, deftly bridged the conversation gap between the Sussexes and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who were seated on the row in front
In keeping with the order of succession, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seated on the front row of the congregation, alongside Charles, Camilla and the Queen (their empty seats seen above). Edward, Sophie, Harry and Meghan were seated on the row behind
All three couples made their own way to their seats, leaving just Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to join the Queen in the formal procession.
In keeping with the order of succession, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seated on the front row of the congregation, alongside Charles, Camilla and the Queen. Edward, Sophie, Harry and Meghan were seated on the row behind.
Today marks Harry and Meghan’s last official outing as senior members of the royal family before they give up their titles at the end of the month as part of their ‘Megxit’ departure deal.
Royal fans noted Edward might have had a special connection to the Sussexes due to his position as Charles’s younger brother as they praised his handling of the situation
From March 31, the monarch’s grandson and American former actress Meghan will no longer use their HRH styles as they pursue a new life of personal and financial freedom, mostly in North America.
The Duchess of Sussex rose to the occasion with her showstopping ensemble, which was widely praised on social media by royal supporters and fashion fans alike within minutes of her arrival.
The elegant, long-sleeved dress is thought to be a bespoke creation by Wickstead, a favourite of both Meghan and the Duchess of Cambridge, 38.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leaving the service at Westminster Abbey this afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arriving for the service at Westminster Abbey today
The fitted long-sleeved dress falls a few inches below the knee and features cleverly-placed darts on the torso and waistline that serve to flatter the Duchess’s svelte frame.
A dramatically draped asymmetric cape that falls over the right shoulder adds a fashion-forward twist to the otherwise classic cut.
Continuing a recent streak of monochrome looks, Meghan wore a matching green hat with net detailing on the brim and folded in an oversized flower structure on the side.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex arriving for the Commonwealth Day service this afternoon