The Duchess of Sussex’s mother, Doria Ragland, is set to join the royal family at Sandringham over the Christmas holiday, according to new reports.
A senior royal source told the Sunday Express that the Queen has personally invited Doria to join the royals for their first family Christmas since Meghan and Harry tied the knot at Windsor Castle earlier this year, as a ‘mark of her respect’ for the Duchess.
They described the move, which is an unprecedented one for the family, as ‘a very thoughtful gesture,’ and one that would be ‘a mark of the Queen’s respect for Meghan and an acknowledgement that she doesn’t have any other relations in this country – unlike Kate [Middleton] who has the support of a very close family.’
Though Buckingham Palace have refused to confirm the reports, this invitation is certainly an unusual one. Though Prince William’s in-laws, the Middleton family, have previously joined the royals for the Christmas Day service, they have always stayed at Anmer Hall, the Cambridges’ country residence, rather than at Sandringham itself.
This year will mark Meghan’s second Christmas with her in-laws, albeit her first as an official member of the royal family. Last year, her presence at Sandringham was hailed as a departure from the usual strict royal protocol surrounding such visits: typically, partners of the royals have had to wait until after their marriage to receive a formal invitation from the Queen (indeed, the Duchess of Cambridge spent her first Christmas at Sandringham in 2011, following her wedding in April of that year).
NOW READ: Meghan Markle's Guide To Christmas Entertaining
meghan markle christmas guide slider - Grazia
1 of 7Trim with a twist
Meghan says: Traditionally garland or magnolia branches are used to adorn a stairwell banister or mantle. Take this concept and trim the outline of a mirror or beautiful piece of artwork that is centrally located in your entry hallway or living room.
2 of 7Simple 'scapes
Meghan says: When creating a table-scape, keep it simple and crisp with an all white tablecloth, runner and napkins. Accent with gilded plates and napkin rings and use a stylish set of cutlery. All white flowers placed in the low vases are the perfect centerpiece.
3 of 7Fake fancy
Meghan says: Purchase silver serving trays, platters, nut bowls from flea markets or Etsy to add formality to hors d'ouevres passing.
4 of 7Repurpose bar essentials for the tabletop
Meghan says: Use mint julep cups or Moscow mule mugs as low vases instead of drinking mugs. Fill with savory herbs or all white florals.
5 of 7Serve a festive cocktail
Meghan's recipe: Almond Milk Spiced Holiday Cocktail_4 cups unsweetened almond milk (you can make your own by blending raw almonds with milk and straining it)_1 tsp of cinnamon + 1 tsp cardamom + 1tsp of powdered ginger_1/2 tsp of clove_6-8 dried dates soaked in water_your favorite bourbon_cinnamon sticks for garnishBlend all ingredients (except the alcohol) in a powerful blender and then move to a small saucepan. Heat at a low temperature until heated and then add 4 -6oz into the pot depending on your friends' palates. Pour each drink and garnish with a cinnamon stick. If you prefer this drink cold, then omit the heating and shake it hard in a cocktail shaker and serve in champagne glasses with a cinnamon/sugar rim on the glass. Super pretty and equally delicious!
6 of 7Friends buffet
Meghan says: Holidays with your friends allows you to break the family traditions and avoid Aunt Julie's fruit cake! Have each of your friends bring a dish or cook together in the kitchen. If you do not have a proper set-up, use your dining room table or kitchen counter as a buffet.
7 of 7Put a twist on Christmas dinner side dishes
Meghan says: If you're like me, you end up buying way too much of everything for holiday meals. So whether you have leftover sweet potatoes or simply want to revamp the classic holiday side, these maple glazed potato wedges are crave-worthy. With the slight kick from cayenne and the brightness of the added lemon, they will be a crowd favorite._two medium sweet potatoes_2 tbsp of olive oil_juice of half a lemon_1 tbsp of maple syrup_1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper_himalayan sea salt*handful of pepitasSlice the potatoes into wedges a coat with the mixture of oil, lemon juice and maple. Toss and then coat with the sprinkle of cayenne and salt to your liking. Lay onto a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for a half hour at 425 farenheit for 30 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, toss the potatoes and add the handful of pepitas for crunch and texture. They will be beautiful, browned and crisp and read to devour.
So, what can Doria expect from Christmas with The Firm? Guests (including the Queen’s children, grand-children and great-grant children) begin to arrive on the Norfolk estate from 23rd December, in strict order of precedence, with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall typically being the last to arrive. As the Cambridges’ country home is just a stone’s throw away, they tend not to stay at the ‘big house,’ but will join their family for the main festivities. Doria won't, however, be the only newcomer: it's highly likely that Jack Brooksbank will receive an invitation for the first time, following his wedding to Princess Eugenie in October.
Sticking to the old German tradition, the royals still open their gifts at tea time on Christmas Eve (controversial, we know), which will have been laid out in the Red Drawing Room in anticipation. The gifts in question are more likely to be small and thoughtful than big and expensive: the Duchess of Cambridge has previously revealed that one year, she made Her Majesty a batch of chutney from her grandmother’s recipe (so perhaps Meghan will whip up some more banana bread…) This will be followed by afternoon tea, then a formal sit-down dinner.
On the day itself, the royals will awaken to stockings filled with yet more gifts; then, after a full English, it’s time for the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate (aka the annual festive royal photo opportunity, where they’ll be greeted by local well-wishers). After that, the family will sit down for a classic Christmas dinner, followed by a communal viewing of the Queen’s Speech (of course).