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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National

Meghan Markle hugs young fan at Christmas day Sandringham outing

The Duchess of Sussex hugged a young fan in a heartwarming moment after attending the annual Christmas service with the rest of the Royal family.

Meghan attended St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, alongside The Queen, Prince Harry and other royals for Christmas Day.

She smiled broadly in a navy dress, coat and fascinator as she entered the event,

Upon leaving, the moment with a young royal fan was captured on camera.

She was caught with a beaming grin as she embraced the former actress and now Duchess.

The girl, a 17-year-old named Jessica, had held up a small sign with her Instagram username on it, Jessica Scarlett, to attract Meghan's attention as the pair have interacted on social media.

The teenager said: "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.

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

Kate and Meghan all smiles as royals attend church in Sandringham

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."

Other well-wishers handed out flowers and gifts to the Royals.

There were shouts of Merry Christmas as they entered the service.

Meghan with her husband Prince Harry (Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Meghan, who is pregnant and due to have a baby in spring, walked through the crowds with Prince Harry.

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, also went along the rows of crowds to greet those in attendance, speaking to many of them while on her own.

(Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

Kate wore a red coat, with a fascinator in a similar but deeper shade, as she attended the event.

Pictures show the Royals accepting bouquets and exchanging pleasantries with those gathered on Christmas Day.

The Queen also attended the annual service, as her loved ones visited her on her Sandringham estate.

However, this year she was not joined by Prince Philip.

As well as Philip missing the event, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, also did not join the rest of the family.

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