There is more to royal seating arrangements than meets the eye.
Kate Middleton,Prince Harryand Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester,represented the royal family during the annual Anzac Day Service of Commemoration and Thanksgivingat Westminster Abbey on Thursday. Harry took the spot closest to the altar, with Prince Richard – the Queen’s paternal cousin who is currently 26th in line to the throne (although he’ll be bumped down a spot when Harry andMeghan Markle‘s child arrives) – beside him. Kate had the seat on the end.
Meghan is preparing to welcome her first child any day now, but had she attended Thursday’s service, she would have been seated next toPrince Harryand ahead of Kate.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Gloucester and Kate Middleton.REX/Shutterstock
Here’s where it gets even more complicated. OncePrince Charlesbecomes king, William and Kate will become the Prince and Princess of Wales. As next in line to be queen consort, Kate will only fall behind the king, queen consort (Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall) and her husband in ranking order – even if William isn’t present.
Kate Middleton.Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
Although the royals often arrive to events in order of precedence, withQueen Elizabethpulling up closest to the start of the proceedings,Prince Harryand Kate arrived together for Thursday’s event.
Kate Middleton and Prince Harry.Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images
Samir Hussein/WireImage
While it was previously announced that the royal mother of three, 37, would step out to the service at Westminster Abbey – the very spot where she andPrince Williamtied the knot nearly eight years ago, on April 29, 2011 – it was a surprise to see Harry join her.
Prince Harry.Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images
The day of remembrance commemorates the first major battle involving Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I. It has been honored in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli in 1916, when King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey.
Meghan and Harry’s newly launched Instagram page, @SussexRoyal, commemorated the day of remembrance with a series of photos at related events, includinglast year’s dawn serviceandopening the enhanced Anzac Memorialin Sydney during their royal tour of Australia.
source: people.com
