Meghan Markle’s mum Doria Ragland will follow THIS busy schedule at Sandringham
MEGHAN Markle’s mother will spend for the first time ever her Christmas with the Queen, an unprecedented honour which comes with a packed schedule and a series of royal rules to follow.
Royal family attends Christmas service at Sandringham in 2017
The Duchess of Sussex’ mother, Doria Ragland, has been invited by the monarch to spend three days at Sandringham House, the Queen’s residence in Norfolk. This invite represents a display of affection to Meghan, who joined the Royal Family marrying Prince Harry on May 19, royal insiders suggested. However, the festive period won’t be a simple holiday, as it is jam-packed with royal rules to abide by and a busy schedule to follow.
Starting upon her arrival at the palace on Christmas Eve, Ms Ragland’s British break will be filled with funny presents, afternoon teas and voluptuous meals.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine told Grazia magazine what Ms Ragland can expect.
She said: “After her luggage is unloaded, there will be a present-giving ceremony after tea.
“There are mainly useful things, such as homemade jams, china or curios bought from county fairs.”
Despite the moment will be cheerful, with anything but pricey gifts to be exchanged, the presents are to be opened according to the royal ranks.
To start her first Sandringham celebration with a bang, last year Meghan gave the Queen a singing hamster.
And her husband Prince Harry is said to have once given his grandmother a shower cap reading “Ain’t life a bi***”.
Ms Seward continued: “Then it will be lethal martinis and a black-tie dinner.
Meghan Markle and Doria arrive at Kensington Palace in 2018
“There’s a really careful old-fashioned placement. It’s always boy-girl, boy-girl.”
The royal expert added the seating chart is planned by the Queen herself.
On Christmas Day, royals will head to church for the 11am service and later return to the castle for a traditional lunch featuring turkey and Christmas crackers.
The signature paper hats included in the crackers are expected to be worn by everyone but the Queen.
The day will proceed with a “brisk walk” taking place after the Queen’s televised speech, aimed at “making room for more food”.
Royal guests will then be invited to take part to a Christmas tea followed by a short nap or resting period.
The day will end in another luxurious meal.
Leaving guests with full stomachs is as important for the Queen as for any other good hostess, and to make sure this happens she follows a decades-old royal custom, according to Ms Seward.
The expert said the guests are traditionally weighed on antique scales as they arrive to the royal palace and shortly before they leave, to check if they gain some kilos during their stay.
This habit was started under King Edward VII’s kingdom, as the monarch was known for his appetite and wanted to make sure his guests were “well fed”.