Corny jokes, paper hats and crackers with Charles... How Meghan wowed Palace party
Meghan Markle passed her first major royal test yesterday – by pulling a cracker with Prince Charles, donning a paper hat and reading out a joke.
Prince harry’s fiancee was a guest at the Queen’s annual Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, where she was introduced to almost every member of the Royal Family.
according to an insider, she appeared slightly nervous initially but soon began to dazzle, with relatives queuing up to meet the prince’s glamorous bride-to-be for the first time.
Fortunately for the US actress – who will no doubt attend her inaugural state banquet next year – these lunches are designed to be fun, not formal.
‘everyone wanted to meet Meghan and welcome her to the family and she didn’t disappoint,’ the source told the Mail. ‘She was obviously a bit nervous at first but she soon relaxed with Prince harry’s help as he introduced her to everyone and then she really enjoyed it. harry was clearly very happy and very proud of her and everyone thought she was delightful. It was your typical Christmas lunch in spite of who was there – turkey, crackers… the lot.’
The event is hosted by the Queen to allow royals who are not invited to Sandringham, where space is limited, to celebrate together. Pictures are not released as it is a private party, but dozens of members of the Royal Family could be seen arriving just before 1pm.
Miss Markle, 36, demonstrated that she was not about to tone down her edgy style for a royal occasion, wearing a £300 nightshade midi dress by Self Portrait, a cult label previously sported by the Duchess of Cambridge. The dress had a lace top, high neck and black a-line skirt. Meghan wore a pair of £3,480 earrings from the Canadian jeweller Birks’s ‘snowflake’ collection – and on the way out smiled and flashed her engagement ring.
harry, 33, had earlier appeared to be concentrating furiously on the way into the Palace, as he navigated his Range Rover past the large crowds that had gathered outside the gates.
his brother Prince William arrived with wife Kate and children Prince george, four, and Princess Charlotte, two, plus their nanny Maria Borrallo. Inside the ballroom, 70 guests – includ-
‘She came through with flying colours’
ing Prince Philip, now officially retired from royal duties – mingled over champagne and soft drinks.
‘There was a lot of laughter and everyone had a great time,’ said a royal source. Meghan sat between Prince Charles and Harry’s cousin Peter Phillips. ‘They were both charmed by her and made her feel so welcome,’ said the insider. ‘There were lots of giggles and the whole atmosphere was just like any Christmas party, lots of fun.
‘ Everything is so informal, strangely, just like any other family. There are no outsiders, so it’s all catching up with each other.’
Also sharing Harry and Meghan’s table were Princess Anne, the Duchess of Kent and her grandson Lord Downpatrick, Princess Alexandra’s son James Ogilvy, the Queen’s 15-year- old great niece Lady Margarita Armstrong- Jones and the Countess of Ulster, daughter-in-law of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
In all, 60 adults sat down for turkey followed by Christmas pudding, washed down with champagne and fine wines.
Following the royals’ lead, Miss Markle apparently entered into the spirit of things with gusto.
‘Meghan pulled crackers with Prince Charles, wore a paper hat and read out corny jokes just like the rest of them,’ the royal source revealed. “She got on like a house on fire with Peter Phillips and they were deep in conversation. ‘Every so often Harry would look across from the other side of the table to reassure Meghan, but she was coping just fine. It was a lot of people to meet at once but she came through with flying colours.’
Shrieks of delight could be heard from the Household dining room, where the royal children had their lunch – under the watchful gaze of a gaggle of nannies.
Afterwards Harry took Miss Markle into the gardens, where they were seen walking. The source added: ‘I think Meghan really loved it and she is now looking forward to going to Sandringham after meeting the family and being made to feel so welcome.’
It is believed that Harry and his fiancee will be staying with the Cambridges at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, but joining the Queen for church on Christmas morning followed by lunch – a first for a royal fiancee. They couple will be married at Windsor Castle on May 19.