Royals flock to Buckingham Palace to meet Prince Harry’s fiancée Meghan Markle at Queen’s Christmas Lunch
SCORES of minor royals flocked to the Queen’s pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace yesterday — to meet Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry’s fiancee was the star attraction at the annual get-together, which was her first official visit to the palace.
She joined at least 50 other royals - including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The lunch at Buckingham Palace was the first time Meghan meets some of Harry's more distant relatives ahead of their May 19 wedding.
She looked glamorous in a £300 high-necked lace dress from Self-Portrait and a pair of diamond-drop earrings.
Prince George was seen in a blue jacket with mum Kate Middleton as he peered out the window of the Range Rover, which was driven by Prince William.
Also in attendance were Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who was wearing a green jacket, and Prince Charles.
Princess Eugenie was also spotted being driven into the Palace in a festive red dress.
The annual lunch at Buckingham Palace is usually held a week before Christmas and the invitation is extended to lesser-known royals.
Members of the extended family at the Palace today included the Queen's cousin Prince Michael of Kent who arrived with his daughter Lady Gabriella Windsor and his wife Princess Michael.
Harry will have likely introduced his fiancee to the group, who are unlikely to have met the actress.
Meghan, 36,will be the first royal fiancee to spend Christmas Day at Sandringham with the Queen this year.
Traditionally, couples have to be married before attending the dinner in Norfolk together but Her Majesty has made an exception this year.
Kate, 35, is said to want to give Meghan a “magical and memorable” first Christmas with the royals.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will stay at their nearby country retreat, Anmer Hall — popping over to Sandringham to spend time with the rest of the family.
What the Queen eats for Christmas dinner - and who she invites
Today's annual lunch takes place around a week before the official Sandringham Christmas meal with the invitation extended to lesser-known royals.
The Queen's official festive meal takes place at Sandringham House, Norfolk.
Christmas Eve includes afternoon tea and opening gifts - in the German tradition.
Christmas Day starts with a hardy breakfast and church service.
The big Christmas dinner includes a salad with shrimp or lobster, and a roasted turkey, and all of your traditional side dishes like parsnips, carrots, Brussels sprouts and Christmas pudding with brandy butter for dessert.
Only members of the Royal Family and their married partners are invited.
This is why it’s such a big deal that Meghan Markle has an invite to spend Christmas with her in-laws this year, despite her and Harry not tying the knot until May.
Meghan has moved from Toronto where she lived while filming Suits to the UK to move in with Harry at Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace.
The Palace announced the couple will marry on May 19 in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle - the same day as the FA Cup Final.
The royals are tipped to kick off their nuptials at noon with footie’s showpiece from 5.30pm.
Harry and Meghan have said they are looking at ways to make their wedding an event that members of the public can feel a part of.
She will become a British citizen and get baptised by the Church of England before the wedding.