Meghan Markle had been invited by the Queen to spend Christmas at Sandringham. The 36-year-old fiancé to Prince Harry spent Christmas at Her Majesty’s estate in Norfolk, despite Kate Middleton only being asked after becoming Prince William’s wife. Meghan’s invitation from the Queen clearly showed the warm welcome that the Royal Family have for the US-born actress.
She and Prince Harry are engaged and will be married May 19th, 2018 at Windsor Castle. Meghan attended the Christmas Day service at Sandringham as well as the traditional walk with the entire Royal family. The Queen’s decision to invite her is a break in tradition as Kate Middleton was not invited after her engagement to Prince William.
The Duke and Duchess also attended Sandringham this year following their decision last year to spend Christmas with the Middleton’s. The traditions included the Royal party walk from Sandringham House to the St Mary Magdalene Church. It’s an event that attracted hundreds of local residents, some of which are greeted by the Royal Family. All the events that took place were strictly timetabled, making up a deeply traditional but personalised Christmas.
It started with gift-giving on Christmas Eve and party games such as charades. On Christmas morning they walked 330 yards to the church to attend the service although the Queen is usually driven. For lunch, the men wore suits and the women wore smart silk dresses, but change into black tie and gowns for dinner.
