Meghan Markle's Mom Has Been Invited to Christmas by the Queen — Here's Why It's a Huge Deal

Meghan Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, has been invited to Sandringham to spend Christmas with the Royal Family and Queen Elizabeth — and it’s kind of a big deal.

Two things to note: One, it means the Queen really, really likes Meghan and wants her to feel like part of the family. Two, it breaks with royal precedent as even Kate Middleton’s parents have never been invited to stay at the estate. (They’ve instead joined the royals at church for Christmas morning service and have stayed at nearby Anmer Hall.)

Back in May, Doria was the only member of Meghan's family to attend her wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor Castle, and it’s been reported that she is looking to move to the U.K. permanently to be closer to her daughter.

British royal expert William Hanson explained to Personal Space why a holiday invite to Sandringham in Norfolk is a major step for the Queen.

“To invite someone who is not a member of the royal family to the family Christmas at Sandringham is a step away from the norm but is another kind gesture from Her Majesty The Queen,” Hanson said.

He added the Queen probably took in consideration that Kate’s family have each other, whereas Doria’s family is really only Meghan.

“The Duchess of Cambridge’s parents are yet to be invited for the Christmas celebrations itself, however they have a larger family of their own, whereas Mrs. Ragland — as we saw in May — is more or less on her own,” he says. “Good manners are all about including and The Queen reigns supreme in this regard. Her Majesty clearly enjoys The Duchess of Sussex’s company and sometimes differing views on life, and is extending one of the ultimate courtesies by inviting Meghan’s mother.”

Happy holidays to that!