The Queen breaks tradition to welcome Meghan Markle into the royal family

In December 2017, the late Queen Elizabeth II made a significant decision by inviting Meghan Markle to join the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham in the United Kingdom. This invitation was notable as it broke with royal tradition, where typically only family members and spouses could attend. Neither Kate Middleton nor Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, were welcomed to Sandringham until after their weddings. This act of inclusion was seen as a strategic move by the Queen to help Meghan feel welcomed and accepted into the royal circle ahead of her marriage to Prince Harry in May 2018. Experts suggest that the Queen's decision stemmed from several factors, such as Meghan's relative age and maturity, which set her apart from previous royal partners. Meghan, being an established actress, was perceived as an experienced figure, contrasting with young and less seasoned partners like Princess Diana and Kate Middleton. This allowed the Queen to extend notable privileges to Meghan, which were not afforded to other royal fiancées in the past. Furthermore, in March 2018, Meghan attended the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, another break from convention that emphasized her role in the family. Prince Harry expressed that Meghan's first Christmas with the royals was a successful and joyous occasion, highlighting a positive integration into royal family dynamics. Meghan herself articulated her joy about this integration during their Netflix series, citing it as the big family experience she had always desired. Since their departure from royal duties in early 2020, Meghan and Harry have not celebrated Christmas in the UK, preferring to spend the festivities abroad. This early acceptance and affection from the Queen seemed to pave the way for Meghan's smoother transition into royal life, showcasing an evolving monarchy that was adapting to contemporary expectations and norms when it came to new members.