Every year, Queen Elizabeth II, along with the rest of the inner members of the royal family celebrates the Christmas season at the Sandringham Estate. While the celebration has been exclusive for royals alone, it was said that Meghan Markle became the first non-royal to join the royal family in their traditions for the holiday.
In November 2017, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially announced their engagement to the public. While fiancés are not normally invited in Sandringham for the celebration, the case was different for the now-duchess.
According to Express UK, several royal experts deemed the invitation to Meghan Markle as "special." As it happens, the individuals who get to be in Sandringham are the "inner, inner circle." So, it was truly "exceptional."
Some royal correspondents also agree that this was monumental. In fact, others even saw it as a "sign" that the monarchy was already "modernizing" and "changing."
However, a few royal authors noted that Meghan Markle has been already living in London at that time. With her family in the United States, and only Prince Harry by her side, the royal certainly wants his fiancé "looked after."
A year after, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continued the royal Christmas tradition. For this year, however, the Sussex family will not be celebrating Christmas Day with the royal family in the United Kingdom.
As added by Insider, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have broken several royal traditions after confirming their holiday-off for the Duchess' hometown. Currently, they are still in the United States and are believed to be with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.
On another note, Kate Middleton was also previously invited to celebrate the Christmas season in Sandringham despite not being engaged or wedded to Prince William. It was revealed that the now-Duchess of Cambridge got an invite from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006.
This was the first time ever that a royal girlfriend was given an invite. But, Kate "turned down" the invitation because, after all, she has a "big and warm family" of her own.
As per previous reports, Kate Middleton also contended that she would only spend Christmas in Sandringham when she already has a "ring" on her finger. Unfortunately, the "festive break" became a "disappointment for Kate" since Prince William broke up with her.
Even so, all is well now between the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The family of now-five has been celebrating the holiday season with the rest of the royal family in Sandringham since their wedding in 2011.
