Closer (UK)

Homesick Meghan’s anxious first Christmas

Insiders reveal how help is on hand to ease Meghan Markle through her nail-biting debut Yuletide with the royal family

- By Deborah Fraser

Her engagement H to Prince Harry caused a sensation last month, and Meghan Markle’s journey to becoming part of the Royal family was sealed with a reported invitation to spend Christmas with the Queen on her Sandringha­m estate.

It’s a huge step for the former actress, with the traditiona­l event only being attended by close family.

A source says, “Meghan’s spent so much time apart from Harry since they got together and she said that last Christmas was miserable without him. She loves the idea of being with him and his family this year.

“She’s getting gifts for everyone, including his nephew George and niece Charlotte, who she wants to spoil rotten.”

The day will follow a strict timetable, with the family enjoying a full English breakfast, before greeting crowds of well-wishers on the walk to the local church for Christmas morning service. They will then have a traditiona­l roast lunch, before watching the Queen’s speech on TV.

But it’s thought that 36year-old Meghan’s La-based parents, Thomas Markle and yoga teacher Doria Ragland, are unable to travel over to the UK to spend the festive holidays with her due to family commitment­s back home, leaving the newly engaged star anxious about the highpressu­re day.

FRIENDLY SUPPORT

The source says, “Meghan’s family are unlikely to make it for Christmas Day, so there’s an element of sadness for Meghan that she’s missing out on all her home traditions and suffering a pang of homesickne­ss.

“The day will be a taster of how life will be as part of the Royal family – and that will be playing on her mind a lot.

“Kate Middleton knows how stressful it can be – Meghan is experienci­ng her ‘firsts,’ which she remembers only too well when she met William. Kate’s trying to support and guide Meghan as much as possible to ease her into Royal life.”

HECTIC SCHEDULE

It’s been a whirlwind two weeks since Harry, 33, and Meghan announced their engagement.

After a photo call and a 20-minute sit down interview where they revealed details of their blossoming relationsh­ip, they made their first joint official visit to Nottingham days later, spending 30 minutes greeting well-wishers.

A source adds, “Meghan’s easing herself into Royal engagement­s and knows how much work she has ahead of her and how hectic the next few months are going to be.

“She’s looking forward to taking some timeoff over Christmas and spending some quality time at home with Harry before her busy schedule of wedding prep.”

❛SHE’S GETTING GIFTS FOR EVERYONE INCLUDING GEORGE AND CHARLOTTE❜

 ??  ?? Pals say Kate is helping Meghan ease into Royal life
Pals say Kate is helping Meghan ease into Royal life
 ??  ?? Her dad Thomas is said to be in LA over Christmas
Her dad Thomas is said to be in LA over Christmas
 ??  ?? Her mum Doria is thought to be unable to visit the UK
Her mum Doria is thought to be unable to visit the UK
 ??  ??
 ??  ??

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