Meghan Markle puts friendly hand on Kate Middleton’s back as they brush off ‘rift’ rumours at Christmas Day church service

MEGHAN Markle placed a hand on Kate Middleton's back in a show of unity as they today brushed aside rumours of a rift for a Christmas Day church service.

The sisters-in-law were all smiles as they joined the royal family at Sandringham for the annual service this morning.

And Meghan and Kate brushed off feud rumours as the former actress placed a hand on the Duchess of Cambridge's back as they appeared to share a joke.

The pregnant Duchess of Sussex looked radiant in a navy £2,250 Victoria Beckham coat with £1,350 black boots as she held tightly to Prince Harry's arm.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who wore a £3,000 red Catherine Walker coat and £650 burgundy "Halo Band" made by milliner Jane Taylor, walked apart from Prince William.

Kate teamed the festive look with matching gloves and a clutch bag, while the Queen was vibrant in a grey feathered hat and jacket with a bright pink trim.

The pair are spending Christmas together at the Queen's estate in Norfolk.

But newlyweds Meghan and Harry are staying at the main Sandringham estate, rather than nearby Anmer Hall, with Kate and William.

Meghan was also showed her caring side as she hugged long-time Instagram and Twitter follower Jessica Daniels, who she spotted in the crowds.

The 17-year-old, who was holding up a small sign with her Instagram username on it, said: "This is the first time I've met her, she just said 'it's so lovely to meet you, incredible to finally see you'."

Kate spoke with well-wishers as she accepted bouquets of flowers - and admitted Prince George and Princess Charlotte had been up "very early" opening their presents.

Prince Charles walked with his sons and daughter-in-laws among the delighted crowds gathered at the church.

But he was not joined by Camilla, who was forced to miss an appearance at the Olympia Horse Show last week due to a heavy cold.

Zara and Mike Tindall are also attending the service, along with Princess Beatrice and Autumn Phillips, who is married to the Queen's oldest grandson Peter Phillips.

It is the second time Meghan has joined the royals for the service at St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham.

Last year, she was snapped alongside Harry, Kate and William smiling as they all walked in together.

Crowds lined up from the early hours of this morning to catch a glimpse of the royal family as they made their way into the 16th Century church.

The Prime Minister Theresa May was also pictured arriving at an annual church service in St Andrews Parish Church in Sonning, Berkshire, today.

Ms May was ambushed by a playful Border collie called Blitz as she walked to the church with husband Philip - but thankfully had a dog toy for the pooch at hand.

The Queen and Prince Philip, 97, arrived at Sandringham on Thursday - travelling down by train to King’s Lynn station.

They were then joined by the other royals and last night opened their presents in a break with British tradition.

The family give each other gag gifts - with Prince Harry famously giving his grandma a shower cap with 'Ain't Life A B****' written on it in 2013.

And Kate previously gave her brother-in-law a 'grow your own girlfriend' kit.

On Christmas Day, the men head downstairs for a full English - complete with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, kippers and grilled kidneys.

While the female royals tend to enjoy a light breakfast of sliced fruit, half a grapefruit, toast and coffee in their rooms.

Christmas dinner is served at 1pm - and it's a traditional feast with roast turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and Brussels sprouts.

The main is followed by Christmas pudding, which is served with brandy butter and brandy sauce an hour later.

Meghan used to spend advent volunteering in soup kitchen and giving out turkeys to those who could not afford them.

Rumours of a rift between the Cambridges and the Sussexes have been swirling since The Sun revealed Harry and Meg were moving away from Kate and his brother last month.

Numerous sources have suggested the royal wives don't get on.

An insider revealed in November that Meghan had made Kate cry during a dress-fittingfor the Duchess of Sussex's wedding.

Sources said the "stressful" fitting became too much for "emotional" Kate, who had just given birth to her third child, Louis.

Meghan and her dad Thomas Markle have also experienced difficulty throughout the process of her joining the Windsor family.

The pair have reportedly not spoken since her marriage to Prince Harry, an occasion he was not invited to.