Beyonce upstages Meghan Markle, confirms who's the real queen bee

 Meghan chatted to Beyonce's husband jay Z (Image: PA)

Beyonce shared a hug with Meghan Markle at the Lion King premiere in London tonight as they greeted each other like old friends.

The Duchess of Sussex and her husband Prince Harry were the guests of honour at the glitzy screening tonight - but it was Beyonce who stole the show.

She upstaged the royal couple by arriving after them and walked the red carpet last - a privilege usually reserved for the most famous star attending the event.

Harry and Meghan had been greeting others at the event for some time before the pop singer arrived with her husband Jay Z to be introduced to the royals.

 Beyonce and Meghan Markle shared a hug even though it is believed to be the first time they've met (Image: PA)

In what looked like a break in protocol, Beyonce leaned in to give Meghan a kiss and a hug - greeting her like they'd known each other for years.

Hugging members of the royal family has long been frowned upon and has previously caused a number of upsets.

However, Meghan was phased and continued laughing and chatting with the singer.

She didn't even seem to realise that Beyonce had managed to manoeuvre herself into the more dominant position - making sure her face could be seen on camera while Meghan was ecplised.

Body language expert Judi James has decoded what went on between the pair - and explained it looks like Beyonce sees her herself on equal terms with the Duchess.

 The pair met for the first time at the event (Image: PA)

She explained: "These two greet one another with a ritual that defines them as warm friends.

"Meghan performs a head tilt of friendly recognition as she gets to Beyonce in the line up, then announces and instigates the embrace by raising her left hand up.

"The women start with a cheek-kiss that converts into a mutual hug, with Beyonce closing her eyes to register deep affection.

"They keep their hands in place as they part to talk, with their left hands clasped and performing the kind of judder that is a strong tie-sign of mutual friendship.

"Meghan then looks impatient to introduce Harry to Beyonce, touching Beyonce’s arm before the pair perform a cheek-kiss."