Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton Happily Chat on Stroll to Christmas Church Services

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle smiled and chatted as they walked with their respective husbands on the way to Christmas Day services at St. Mary Magdalene Church Tuesday.

It's Meghan's first Christmas as a royal, though she celebrated with the family last year, in a break in tradition. 

Dressed in navy, the Duchess of Sussex walked down the street with her arm threaded through Prince Harry's, beaming at onlookers. She is expecting her first child with Harry in the spring.

Kate, meanwhile, opted for a scarlet ensemble.

The royal foursome's happy stroll seemed to throw cold water on recent rumors of a rift between the two couples. According to one report, Kate was left in tears at a dress fitting for Princess Charlotte before Meghan wedding to Harry earlier this year. 

There have also been claims that Kate reprimanded Meghan after the American actress allegedly snapped at members of Kate's staff. However, Buckingham Palace denied that report, saying succinctly: “This never happened.”

The unflattering stories have led some to dub Meghan "Duchess Difficult" because of how demanding she reportedly is. But experts caution against believing the tales. 

"It seems like suddenly in the last few weeks, this reputation is building of Meghan being difficult," royal commentator Victoria Arbiter told Inside Edition earlier this month. "It’s founded from absolutely nothing."

After church services, the royals will go to Sandringham House for a Christmas lunch, then watch the queen’s annual address to the nation at 3 p.m. 

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