Kate Middleton reportedly made a last-minute gesture of kindness to an ‘upset and emotional’ Meghan Markle at the 2020 Commonwealth Day Service, as tensions heightened behind the scenes

The Princess of Wales reportedly made a kind last-minute gesture during what was to be Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s final engagement as senior members of the Royal family.

While attending the 2020 Commonwealth Day service, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex allegedly ‘became emotional and upset’ after learning they wouldn’t be permitted to join Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the senior royals in the main VIP party.

Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly weren’t happy to learn they were expected to make their own way to the front of Westminster Abbey, where they would wait with the Earl and Countess of Wessex ahead of the arrival of other senior royals. Not wanting more public drama, the Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly attempted to defuse the awkward situation by offering to join Harry and Meghan as they waited for the arrival of the late Queen and their father, King Charles III.

Things didn’t go to plan, however, the Mail Online reports, as 2,000 already-printed orders of service very clearly stipulated that William and Kate would be arriving with the main party. Unfortunately, this peace offering reportedly didn’t quell existing tensions, and the two couples appeared to exchange very brief and uncomfortable greetings as they took their seats in the Abbey.