By Katherine Tinsley
1:54pm PST, Dec 30, 2025
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In 2017, Queen Elizabeth II included Meghan Markle, who was engaged to Prince Harry, to spend Christmas with the royal family.
“Talk about a baptism of fire. Here was a rare exception being made,” royal commentator Richard Kay said in Harry and Meghan Vs The Monarchy.
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“[Princess Catherine] was not invited as William’s girlfriend to spend Christmas at Sandringham with the royals,” Richard Kay continued. “But here was Meghan doing just that.”
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The moment was seen as a shift in the famous family, marking Meghan Markle’s introduction to royal life.
“The Queen is very strict when it comes to family, and so to be invited was quite a significant thing,” former royal butler Grant Harrold said. “I’m sure Meghan Markle was absolutely terrified.”
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Despite Queen Elizabeth II’s efforts, Meghan Markle ultimately left the royal fold.
“I tried so hard,” Meghan said in Harry & Meghan. “That’s the piece that’s so triggering, because … it still wasn’t good enough, and you still don’t fit in.”