Seating plan for Westminster Abbey Commonwealth service sat royals in order of line for throne

The royal family’s seating plan at today’s Westminster Abbey service reflected the line of succession to the throne.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle exchanged an awkward ‘hello’ with his brother Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton as they took their seats for the annual Commonwealth Service in London. 

Today marked Harry and Meghan’s final public duty before they step down as senior royals on March 31. 

Once seated, the royals’ position on the chairs was based on their ranks within the family, with Charles next to the Queen due to him being first-in-line, followed by William in second, and Harry in sixth. 

They took similar positions last year, although Meghan was next to Prince Andrew, who has since stepped down from royal duties last year over his friendship with convicted US paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. 

Prince Edward, Earl of Sussex, is 11th in line and was sat next to Meghan today – with his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, on his other side.

In between William and Harry in the line of succession are William and Kate’s children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who did not attend the service.

Unlike last year, Harry and Meghan were conducted to their seats at the church in London, rather than waiting for the Queen’s arrival and walking through with the monarch and key royals as they did in March 2019.