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In an unexpected break from royal custom, the late Queen Elizabeth II welcomed Meghan Markle into the royal family prior to her formal wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.
Unlike previous royal fiancées, Meghan was asked to spend Christmas with the royal family in December 2017, which is typically reserved for husbands or direct family members.
This early participation was a notable shift, since neither Kate Middleton nor Sophie, Countess of Wessex had been invited to Sandringham until after their nuptials.
Meghan also made history in March 2018 by attending the Commonwealth Day ceremony at Westminster Abbey with senior members of the royal family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton.
This swift rise to the royal limelight was interpreted as evidence of the Queen's approval, since she was considered to regard Meghan as a mature and capable individual who was eager to join the royal family straight away.
Speaking on the Daily Mail's Reading the Royals, expert Richard Eden stated that the Queen was driven by three considerations. "I think it was a reference to Meghan's age and maturity, and that she felt she's an established figure," he was saying.
Prince Harry later remarked about Meghan's first Christmas with the royal family, claiming it was a huge success.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today show: "I think we had a great time together. We had a terrific time visiting with my brother and sister-in-law and running about with the children. "Christmas was fantastic!"
