Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Kate & Meg Xmas glee
Sisters-in-law quash rumours of rift at happy Xmas parade
THEY may be dogged by rumours of a rift, but Kate and Meghan yesterday seemed to quash those fears as they appeared together looking like the best of pals.
The Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex both beamed and chatted happily when arriving for the traditional royal Christmas Day service at Sandringham in Norfolk.
The united front came as the Queen pleaded for “goodwill to all” in her annual festive speech.
Speculation had been rife that Kate, 37, and 36-year-old Meghan would not walk side by side with their husbands William and Harry to the church after claims of a fallout.
The rumours came amid allegations Kate made Meghan cry in the lead-up to her wedding in May.
But there was no hint of animosity between the pair as they waved at onlookers who had gathered to watch the royal party arrive at the church. At one point, Meghan even placed her hand on her sister-in-law’s back to guide her along the path.
A Palace source said: “As Her Majesty the Queen has often said in her Christmas Day messages, the festive season is a time of togetherness and the Royal Family hold that particular notion very dear.
“The lead-up to Christmas is often a stressful time for many people and it is at times such as these that it is important to bring one’s family together and enjoy much of what there is to be thankful for.”
William and Harry have also been the subject of rumours of a breakdown in their close relationship.
It came after Harry and Meghan’s surprise announcement that they will move from Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle before the duchess gives birth in spring.
But the brothers also appeared to be getting along fine as they strolled alongside their wives.
The past few weeks have been
As the Queen has often said, the festive season is a time of togetherness PALACE SOURCE ON UNITED FRONT SHOWN BY DUCHESSES
stressful for Meghan as her estranged dad Thomas, 74, gave a TV interview begging the Queen to help him connect with his daughter. Sources said he had “gone a step too far”.
The Queen arrived at yesterday’s church service in her state limousine with the Duke of York.
Among others present were Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank, the Earl and Countess of Wessex with children, Lady Louise Windsor and Viscount Severn, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and Zara and Mike Tindall. They later returned to the main house. The only absentees were The Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Prince Phillip, who had successful hip replacement surgery earlier this year, was said to be resting.
A royal source said: “The duke is in perfectly good health, he is just spending the day privately.”
Camilla missed an appearance at the Olympia Horse Show last week due to a heavy cold and was understood to be still recovering.
FOR most families this is a joyous time of year, a period when people come together, catch up with friends and relatives and enjoy the best festive traditions.
So it is easy to forget that it can also be a period of great loneliness for many people.
Far from being a time of fun, friendship and frivolity, it can be a grim and difficult few days.
Our poll today shows that one in 10 of us will spend Christmas alone.
And it is not just the elderly who are affected. The survey shows this hidden epidemic of loneliness is experienced across all generations, with younger people the ones who often feel the most isolated.
It is 18 to 34-year-olds who are least likely to know neighbours, go longer without human contact and find it harder to make friends.
We can all do our bit to make a difference. This holiday time, look out for neighbours, friends and relatives who may be lonely.
A small gesture could transform someone’s Christmas and new year.