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Kate and Meghan are said to have been ordered by the Queen to put on a show of unity together at the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham.

Her Royal Highness and Prince Charles allegedly made it clear that any rift between the two duchesses must be kept out of the public eye as they arrived together at the St Mary Magdalene Church.

The two appeared to take the advice on board as they were seen laughing and joking while photographers captured the pair walking towards the church.

A source told The Sun: 'The Queen and Charles have allowed the situation to play out without overtly interfering — but they both made it clear that Christmas was for the whole family to really come together.

'That meant the two couples walking into church together as the Fab Four just like they had last year. Yes, it was awkward and uncomfortable given what's gone on over the past 12 months.

'But the alternative of even more negativity on Christmas Day wasn't worth thinking about.' 

The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex were seen laughing and joking arriving at St Mary Magdalene church

Kate, 36, and Meghan, 37, were greeted by adoring crowds as they made their way to St Mary Magdalene Church, a short walk from Sandringham House on the Royal Family's Norfolk estate, alongside their husbands Prince William and Harry and Prince Charles

Meghan,Kate, Harry and William on Christmas day at Sandringham as Meghan places a hand on Kate's back as they leave the church 

The Queen was resplendent in a feathered hat as she departed the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church

The Queen leaving  church yesterday. She was not joined by husband Philip. It is understood the duke is in good health and intended to spend the day relaxing privately with his family

The Queen allegedly told Kate and pregnant Meghan to put their differences aside by the time they sat down to watch her speech along with the rest of the nation at 3pm on BBC. 

It comes as there have been rumours swirling for months of a rift between Meghan and other royals.  

Rumours of the feud surfaced when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were moving out of Kensington Palace to live in Frogmore House in Windsor. 

There were also reports of a falling out between Meghan and Kate during ­Princess Charlotte's bridesmaid dress fitting before the royal wedding earlier this year. 

Kate and Meghan chatted to one another as they walked to the church this morning, alongside husbands Prince Harry and Prince William

Kate and Meghan both appeared happy and relaxed as they walked to the church  yesterday. Kate wore a bright red coat, alongside Meghan, who chose a black outfit

Kate and Meghan appeared deep in conversation, and Meghan's baby bump could be seen in her black dress

Despite rumours of a rift the pair were seen laughing together with Prince Harry by their side as they celebrated the annual church service with the royal family

Meghan held her gloves in her hand and smiled as she linked arms with Prince Harry. Kate waved at wellwishers who had come out to see them on Christmas morning

It was also claimed that Prince William told the Queen that he did not think Meghan was a suitable wife for his brother. 

The reports come after it was suggested that the Queen was eager to offer her support to pregnant Meghan to heal the rift with Kate. 

A source told The Sunday Times that courtiers were eager to urge Meghan to seek advice from the monarch.  

'Her Majesty has seen it all and could offer the duchess some helpful advice at the moment,' an insider said.

'Meghan would do well to nurture that relationship and pop over for the occasional cup of tea with the Queen. That is what Sophie Wessex has quietly done so well.'

It was hinted earlier this month that the Cambridge's would spend the day with the Middleton family in Berkshire, and Harry and Meghan would spend it with the Queen.

However Kensington Palace later confirmed they would be celebrating the day together in what was a show of solidarity between the royals.

The Royals' were led by Prince Charles to the church at the Norfolk estate, following by his sons and their wives and the rest of the family. 

Meghan covered up her baby bump as she held a handbag and her black gloves in her right hand as they walked to church this morning

Meghan and Kate chatted amicably in front of the cameras today. Rumours of the feud surfaced when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were moving out of Kensington Palace to live in Frogmore House in Windsor

Meghan and Kate were  both given armfuls of bouquets by well-wishers as they went on a brief walkabout after the service with their husbands

Smiling Prince Harry an Meghan were all smiles as they left the church yesterday after the traditional Christmas service 

Scores of well-wishers get their camera phones out as Meghan hugs a member of the public in the crowd

Prince William, 36, and Harry, 34, joined their wives and the rest of the Royal Family as they put on a united front amid rumours of a 'rift' and mounting tensions between the two couples

Daniel Chapman and mother Susan Chapman, 52, gave Kate a bouquet.

Mr Chapman, 25, said: 'Kate came over and took a bouquet and wished me and my mum a merry Christmas.

'We all said afterwards that there didn't seem to be the animosity that was rumoured.

'They were all laughing and joking. There was no sign of anything untoward at all. Everyone was easy going and laid-back.' 

Other royals in attendance were Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, joined by their children Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn, and Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence

Peter Phillips with his daughters Isla (left) and Savannah arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham

Zara and Mike Tindall also attended the Christmas Day service and looked to be in high spirits as they passed adoring crowds

Eugenie opted for a more seasonal look in a red dress striped with an elaborate black pattern as she clutched her husband's hand 

There was a festive feeling in the air as a stylish-looking Beatrice arrived with an equally chic and fashionable Autumn Philips

Princess Beatrice and Autumn Phillips (left) opted for designer Claire Mischevani coats as they attended the Christmas service in Sandringham - while Princess Eugenie, accompanied by her husband Jack Brooksbank, wore a brighter outfit

Hundreds of well-wishers turned out to see the royal family, but the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Cornwall were missing.

Philip and Camilla did not join the rest of the royals as they made the short walk. It is understood the duke is in good health and will spend the day relaxing privately with his family.

Camilla missed an appearance at the Olympia Horse Show last week due to a heavy cold and is believed to be still recovering from the bug.

Behind the lead group strode Peter Phillips holding the hands of his daughters Savannah and Isla, and they were followed by Princess Beatrice and Peter's wife Autumn Phillips.

A few metres behind were Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, who smiled at the crowds as they walked towards the church.

Towards the back of the group were the Earl and Countess of Wessex with their children, Lady Louise Windsor and Viscount Severn, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and Zara and Mike Tindall. 

Kate and Meghan reportedly fell out over the last year with Kate being reported as crying at Princess Charlotte's dress fitting for Meghan's wedding

Prince Charles allegedly also told Meghan and Kate to ensure their feud was kept out of the public eye

Kate chatted to fans as they waited outside the Norfolk church, collecting bunches of flowers from wellwishers

The Queen arrived in her state limousine with the Duke of York.

During the service the congregation sang traditional carols O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful.

Afterwards the young royals went on a brief walkabout and when Meghan saw 17-year-old Jessica holding up a small sign with her Instagram username on it, Jessica Scarlett, she instantly recognised it and gave her social media friend a hug.

The teenager, from Peterborough, described the experience as 'amazing' adding : 'I started watching Suits, then I started following her on social media and then followed her acting and followed her humanitarian work, so I've been a fan of her for years.

Meghan collects a boquet of flowers from the crowd as she chat to a police officer on duty

The Duchess of Sussex  waves to the crowds as she left the church service yesterday 

The 'Fab Four' appear to share a joke with Prince Charles as they make their way to church. They tried to quash rumours of a rift with the united front this morning

The duchess of Sussex and duchess of Cambridge appeared to be relaxed and happy in each other's company

Meghan was seen leaving the church (left) after the Christmas Day service this morning. The Duchess and Harry linked arms as they made their way back to Sandringham House

'There were a group of us girls on social media she became kind of close with and interacted a lot online.'

She said about the duchess, who closed down her social media accounts before her marriage to Harry: 'This is the first time I've met her, she just said 'it's so lovely to meet you, incredible to finally see you' and she was asking how we all are and if we're still talking and supporting each other.'

Meghan and Kate were given armfuls of bouquets by well-wishers as they went on a brief walkabout after the service with their husbands.

Kate chatted to Jill Lee, from Cambridge, who has watched the royals attend church on Christmas Day a number of times.

The Queen was seen smiling as she left St Mary  Magdalene Church in Sandringham on Christmas Day. She spends every Christmas at the Norfolk estate

The Queen yesterday at Sandringham after she arrived at St Mary Magdalene Church. The monarch reportedly asked her grandson's wives Kate and Meghan to put aside their 'feud' over Christmas 

She said: 'I said to Kate 'were the children up early' and she said 'very early, but it was lovely to see their faces'.'

The 71-year-old, a retired seamstress, kissed Harry on the cheek a few years ago when he left church but this year he declined the offer - because of Meghan.

She said: 'I said to Harry 'I can't kiss you this year, can I?' and he said 'no' and pointed to his wife.'

After the morning service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the royal estate is a traditional event where they greet well-wishers.

Back at the house, lunch is prepared by their staff and served at 1pm, and the royals indulge in a giant turkey, reared at Sandringham. 

The Queen sometimes quietly leaves the room and lets her family watch the national address by themselves, as she views it alone to see how it comes across.

Boxing Day, when the royals enjoy a breakfast buffet of kedgeree, bacon and eggs, often involves outdoor pursuits such as shooting, riding and walking.

Kensington Palace did not comment on the Christmas Day truce.