Late Queen considered Meghan ‘extra mature’ than Princess Diana, Kate Middleton

In a shocking departure from royal custom, the late Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Meghan Markle into the royal fold earlier than her official marriage ceremony to Prince Harry in 2018. 

In contrast to previous royal fiancées, Meghan was invited to spend Christmas with the royal household in December 2017, a gesture often reserved for spouses or direct relations. 

This early inclusion marked a major departure, as neither Kate Middleton nor Sophie, Countess of Wessex, had been invited to Sandringham till after their marriages.

Moreover, Meghan made historical past in March 2018 when she attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey alongside senior members of the royal household, together with Prince William and Kate Middleton. 

On the time, she was not but married to Harry, however she was already seated among the many top-tier royals. 

This speedy acceptance into the royal highlight was seen as a sign of the Queen’s approval, as she was perceived to view Meghan as a mature and succesful particular person who was prepared to hitch the royal household immediately.

Talking on the Day by day Mail’s Studying the Royals, knowledgeable Richard Eden prompt the Queen was motivated by three key elements. “I feel it was a reference to Meghan’s age and maturity, and that she felt she’s a longtime determine,” he mentioned. 

“She’s an actress – not somebody like Princess Diana or Catherine who had been youthful and fewer skilled. She actually felt that right here was somebody who was prepared to hitch The Agency instantly.” Moreover, in keeping with Eden, the Queen felt that Meghan – “a divorced, mixed-race American actress – can be a breath of recent air and an incredible asset to the Monarchy”.

Prince Harry later spoke about Meghan’s first Christmas with the royal household – and mentioned it had been an enormous success. 

He instructed BBC Radio 4’s At this time present: ” I feel collectively we had an incredible time. We had nice enjoyable staying with my brother and sister-in-law and working spherical with the youngsters. Christmas was improbable.”

Requested if there have been any household traditions that needed to be defined to his associate, Harry divulged: “She’s executed a completely superb job. She’s getting in there and it’s the household I suppose that she’s by no means had.”