Royal Christmas: Queen reportedly invited Meghan Markle’s mom, Doria Ragland, to spend holidays with the family

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It’s been widely reported how much the Royal family – particularly Queen Elizabeth – loves Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland. Now, that love is being shown by way of an extra special invite.

For as long as anyone can remember, only royalty has ever received an invitation to the Queen’s annual Christmas celebration at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where the Windsor family has always spent their Christmas holidays.

Last year, Elizabeth made a historic exception by inviting Markle, and now she is breaking royal tradition again for Markle’s mother.

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“It’s a mark of the Queen’s respect for Meghan and an acknowledgment that she doesn’t have any other relations in this country—unlike Kate who has the support of a very close family,” claims a source who spoke to the Daily Express.

This isn’t the first time that Ragland, who is considered “a commoner” by royal standards, has been given unprecedented access. In September she was present when Meghan Markle delivered her first solo speech as a royal. Her attendance at this event is notable because while the families of people who marry into the royal fam are welcomed at big events, (like weddings and christenings), they do not have the privilege tag along for royal engagements.

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Even Kate Middleton’s family members, who reportedly have strong relationships with the royals behind-the-scenes, aren’t allowed to show up to watch Kate give speeches. That’s simply never been done, until now.

At this point the, Royal family’s love for both Meghan and her mom has been well documented and Prince Charles has reportedly gone so far as to call Meghan the best thing to ever happen to Harry and doted all over Doria doing the couple’s wedding reception this past spring.

“When you meet Doria, it all falls in place. You understand why Meghan is who she is,” an inside source told Vanity Fair.