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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Kyle O'Sullivan

Why Kate Middleton's car was in front of Meghan Markle's for Queen's coffin procession

The Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex travelled in different cars during the procession of the Queen's coffin today. Her Majesty made her final journey from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall while tens of thousands of people watched - with many left in tears.

Escorting the coffin on foot from the Palace were the King and his three siblings, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward and the Queen's grandsons Peter Phillips, Prince William and Prince Harry, who stood shoulder to shoulder. Kate Middleton and Queen Consort Camilla were in separate vehicles to Meghan Markle and Sophie, Countess of Wessex - and there's a very simple reason why.

Camilla, Queen Consort (L) and the Princess of Wales are driven behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II (AFP via Getty Images)

For the latest updates as the world mourns the Queen and King Charles III's reign begins, follow our live blog.

The female royals followed the procession in order of their status, so the Queen Consort and Princess of Wales were in the first car.

Camilla is married to the new King, Charles III, while Kate wed the heir to the throne, Prince William, who she shares three children with.

The Duchess of Sussex and Countess of Wessex, who are the wives of Prince Harry and Prince Edward respectively, followed on because their husband are of next highest status.

The royals looked sombre as they passed crowds, following Queen Elizabeth III's hearse as she left Buckingham Palace for the final time.

During the service, the senior royals stood in formation facing the coffin on its purple-covered catafalque, which was flanked with a tall, yellow flickering candle at each corner of the wide scarlet platform.

The King and Queen Consort stood together a metre or so apart, with the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence behind them, then the Duke of York alone, and in the next row the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Sophie, Countess of Wessex (L) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex were behind (AFP via Getty Images)

Behind them were the Prince and Princess of Wales, with the Duke of Sussex behind William, and the Duchess of Sussex directly behind Kate.

Harry and Meghan sweetly held hands as they moved through Westminster Hall at the end of the service, while the other royal couples in the procession party walked side by side not touching.

King Charles III was seen carrying a gift from the Queen today during the procession - and shed a tear after she arrived at Westminster Hall.

The King wore full day ceremonial uniform with the rank of Field Marshal - and in held a special gift from his beloved mother.

His Majesty carried is Field Marshal Baton presented to him by The Queen when he became Field Marshal in 2012.

The Queen's coffin left Buckingham Palace for the final time and went to Westminster Hall, where a 20-minute service was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury accompanied by the Dean of Westminster.

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne take part in the procession (REUTERS)

Also taking part were Anne's husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Earl of Snowden - Princess Margaret's son - and the Duke of Gloucester - a cousin of the Queen.

Now up to 400,000 people are expected to brave a 12-hour wait on the banks of the Thames to catch a glimpse of the Queen's coffin as she lies in state for four days ahead of her funeral on Monday.

Today's procession to Westminster comes after there were emotional scenes last night when the Queen's coffin was brought back to London from Edinburgh.

The Queen's grandchildren, including Harry and William - the new Prince of Wales - and their wives Meghan and Kate, were among members of the royal family paying their respects to the late monarch by witnessing her coffin’s arrival at Buckingham Palace.

* You can now buy Friday's historic Daily Mirror commemorating the death of the Queen here: mirror.co.uk/commemorative

You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here.

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