Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton Shared a Sweet Sign of Affection at the Royal Christmas Service
It was the holiday royal sighting of our dreams yesterday. We got lots of looks at Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton, Prince William, and Prince Harry on the way to Christmas service at the Sandringham estate with the rest of the royal family. And, even better, we got a really sweet and unexpected touchy feely moment between the two princesses.

What a happy Christmas it was yesterday! Our best present: a dreamy royal holiday sighting that will get us through this winter. Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton dressed in outfits so festive and complementary in their monochromatic colors, they must have coordinated on their group text. If that didn't put the feud rumors to bed, the footage of the Kate and Meghan chatting and smiling as they walked with Prince William and Prince Harry on the way to Christmas service at the Sandringham estate with the rest of the royal family should. It's already known that Meghan and Harry show more PDA in general than Kate and Will, and then we were gifted a truly sweet, and unexpected, touchy feely moment between the two duchesses.
In the Twitter video, below, taken by @androyalty, we see Meghan lean towards Kate as they chat and gently touch her on the back as they go through the gates to Sandringham estate. (What were they discussing?! Royal baby names? The deals Kate got bargain shopping? How good the men looked during their annual Christmas Eve soccer match??) What's even cuter is that Harry, clearly wanting to hold the hand of his beloved, reaches back, expecting Meghan's hand to be right there. Then, he turns, sees his wife talking to her sister-in-law, and reaches out to help her with her flowers instead. UGH it's so cute.
In related news, Meghan and Kate performed their mandatory curtsies to the Queen as she passed by outside the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, and according to People, Meghan's curtsy is "much improved" from last year's. Apparently it's a deeper bow with clasped hands, I guess? This year's curtsy looked more "confident."
Here's last year's curtsy, for comparison. You're rocking it, Meghan.
For more celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York Times, Parents, InStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award.
Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeans, how sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Princess Kate Takes Inspiration From This Unexpected Royal as She Prepares to be Queen
"She’s hugely influential behind the scenes in hiring and decision-making," a royal source said.
By Kristin Contino
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles a $7,600 Wicker Bag With $90 Sneakers
As only she can.
By Kelsey Stiegman
-
Kendall Jenner Gives a Paris Jacket Trend Her L.A. Minimalist Spin
It's chic in any zip code.
By Halie LeSavage
-
Princess Kate Is "Allergic to Any PR Gimmicks" and Takes Inspiration From This Unexpected Royal as She Prepares to be Queen
"She’s hugely influential behind the scenes in hiring and decision-making," a royal source said.
By Kristin Contino
-
Why Meghan Markle Sends "Secret Emails" to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet "Every Night"
Meghan and Harry's kids will be able to access the emails "maybe when they're 16 or...18."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince William Is Tired of "Too Much Talk," Says He Wants to Make This Major Change When He's King
The Prince of Wales is said to be "tough" and results-driven.
By Kristin Contino
-
Body Language Expert Details the Moment Prince William Showed Himself to Be the "Ideal" Future King at Pope Francis's Funeral
"It is probably the biggest compliment to William to say that he was close to invisible."
By Amy Mackelden
-
The One Thing That "Triggers" Prince William and Makes Him "Fly Off the Handle" When It Comes to Kate Middleton
"I had never seen her husband, Prince William, so angry," a royal expert explained.
By Amy Mackelden
-
King Charles Made an "Awful" Press Comment During Prince William's Awkward 2005 Interview About Marriage
"Look, I'm only 22 for God's sake."
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Responds to Rumors She Might Run for President in the Future During Podcast Appearance
"I mean, you could say, 'Never say never.'"
By Amy Mackelden
-
The Kardashian Sister Prince Harry Was Almost Set Up With by a Mutual Friend Before He Met Meghan Markle
"I walked in and saw her with Princess Beatrice."
By Amy Mackelden