In the brand-new Harry & Meghan docuseries on Netflix, Meghan Markle talked about her first Christmas with the royal family.
In November 2017, just a few weeks after Prince Harry and her announced their engagement, the future Duchess of Sussex defied royal protocol by spending the holiday season in Norfolk with her in-laws.
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Christmas is typically spent at Sandringham by the royal family, but there are strict guidelines for the guest list. Traditionally, only employees of the Firm or married partners are invited to the family’s Christmas gathering.
The former actress revealed she was seated next to Prince Philip, Harry’s grandfather, when the historic event took place. At dinner, she was seated next to H’s grandfather, and she recalled thinking, “Oh, we chatted and it was so great and I talked about this and talked about this.”
Meghan laughed when Prince Harry later told her that she “had his bad ear,” saying, “Oh, well, I thought it went really well.”
Meghan recalled the day thusly: “I remember so vividly the first Christmas at Sandringham, calling my mom and saying, ‘Oh my gosh it’s amazing.'”
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Just like the big family I’ve always imagined, it is. And there was just nonstop motion, excitement, and joy.”
Following Christmas, Prince Harry presided over a special episode of Radio 4’s Today show that featured a conversation with Barack Obama. The Duke referred to Meghan’s first Christmas with his family as “fantastic” in the special program.
He said at the time, “She really enjoyed it. “She was a great addition to the family. There is always a family component to Christmas, and there is also a work component, and I believe that all together we had a wonderful time.
“Staying with my brother and sister-in-law and playing with the kids while there was a lot of fun. The holidays were wonderful.” He continued, “She’s done an absolutely amazing job, she’s getting in there and it’s the family that I suppose she’s never had.” regarding Meghan’s adjustment to his family’s customs.
