Why Kate and Meghan stood on separate balconies at Remembrance Day

The Duchess of Cambridge has stood alongside the Queen during a service to mark Remembrance Day, in London.

Also next to Her Majesty was Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

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The three women watched the ceremony from the balcony of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office building, paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the First World War. The day also marked the Armistice that ended the hostilities 100 years ago.

At first it appeared Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, was absent from the day's events but she was standing on a separate balcony to the senior royals.

The 37-year-old was placed next to Elke Büdenbender, the wife of German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier. It was the first time a German president has attended Remembrance Day commemorations, marking a historic act of reconciliation between Germany and Britain.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, pulled out of the service last minute and a wreath was laid on his behalf by an equerry. Had he been there, the Duke would have stood on the balcony with the Queen and Camilla, with Kate taking position on a separate balcony.

Watching from the Foreign Office has become a tradition for the royal women, as their husbands place wreaths at the Cenotaph below. Prince Charles led the day's service having taken over from the Queen last year. She previously held the role for 60 years.

Prince William and Prince Harry joined their father by laying wreaths, as did Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Princess Anne.

The sombre occasion saw all members of the royal family dress in black, with Kate opting for a military-inspired outfit by Alexander McQueen.

Later that evening, Their Royal Highnesses attended a service at Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a green Catherine Walker coat, while Meghan covered her growing baby bump in a navy peplum ensemble.