Meghan Markle reportedly sparked a change in the royal family's Christmas tradition that Kate Middleton didn't enjoy, but Princess Beatrice's husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, got to take advantage of.
Meghan Markle Changed A Christmas Tradition Within The Royal Household?
The former Suits star spent the holidays in 2017 with the royal family even if she was not yet married to Prince Harry at the time. Normally, only the members of the firm are invited to the Balmoral to be with the Queen on Christmas and New Year's Day. However, Markle got a pass.
According to sources, Prince Harry asked the Queen's permission, and she couldn't say "no" to her grandson. Other sources claimed that Her Majesty extended the invitation to Markle because the latter was in London and Queen Elizabeth knew she had no family in the country.
Prior to Markle, no royal fiancee or fiance was allowed to join the royals on Christmas. Kate Middleton, for instance, didn't get to spend Christmas with Prince William before they tied the knot in 2011. For whatever reason, Markle paved the way to change the royal family's Christmas tradition.
In 2019, Princess Beatrice's then-boyfriend, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, get to enjoy the same treatment. He joined the royal family at Sandringham for the holidays. He was also permitted to attend the Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church, OK! magazine reported.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Faking Press Intrusion? Sussexes Slammed For Using Stock Photos On Netflix Trailer
What Happened During Meghan Markle's First Christmas Break With The Royal Family?
Prince Harry appeared on BBC Radio 4's Today program days after Christmas, and he talked about spending the holidays with his then-fiancee and his family months before their royal wedding on May 19, 2018.
"It was fantastic. She really enjoyed it," Prince Harry said (via The Guardian).
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent the holidays with the Prince and Princess of Wales. According to Prince Harry at the time, his family enjoyed having Markle around.
"The family loved having her there," Prince Harry continued. "There's always that family part of Christmas [where] there's always that work element there as well, and I think together we had an amazing time. We had great fun staying with my brother and sister-in-law and running round with the kids. Christmas was fantastic."
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla 'Appalled' by Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's Docuseries? Senior Royals Reportedly 'Not Worried but Wearied' With Netflix Documentary
He also admitted that there were family traditions that he had to explain to the Horrible Bosses actress. However, Markle did an "absolutely amazing job."
"She's getting in there and it's the family I suppose that she's never had," Prince Harry said.
Nearly two years after they got married, Prince Harry and Markle stepped back from their royal duties. Since then, their relationship with the royal family has been strained.
Stay tuned for more news and updates about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Pop Culture