Don’t make your lovely mum a royal fixture, Meg

DAUGhTERs everywhere will have felt a warm frisson as Meghan stepped out on her first solo official royal project with her mum, Doria.

yes, the Duchess of sussex is now 37 and married, but at heart she is still a mummy’s girl — like so many of us. And didn’t Doria look a million dollars? her smile and confident composure said it all, as did her simple statement of introduction: ‘hi, I’m Meg’s mom.’

The Duchess was launching a cookbook celebrating the women of the Grenfell community. Asked if she felt proud of her daughter, Doria said: ‘Very proud. head over heels.’

We always knew Meghan would ring the changes, but what a change it is to invite your mum to be the star turn at your first solo royal venture — and then to introduce a noticeably political message to the proceedings. Meghan spoke of the importance of diversity and multiculturalism; her mum of the power of women.

As if to prove Doria’s point, there was harry — who, to be fair, was not expected to attend the launch — walking three paces behind the two women, very much as an extra.

I’m not saying he was thinking of that old Ken Dodd joke — ‘I haven’t spoken to my mother-in-law for 18 months, I don’t like to interrupt her.’

Just that, as in most marriages, harry knew his mother-in-law was the most important person there.

Doria was dignified and courageous at the couple’s wedding when she sat alone in her pew as the sole representative of Meghan’s family. And at the Grenfell community book launch, her elegance and vivacity reminded us what a special woman she is.

but Meghan and she should tread carefully if they plan to continue this royal double act. Although she’s a frequent visitor to the Royal box at Wimbledon, carole Middleton has been the model of discretion where Kate’s royal duties are concerned.

she’s a deeply supportive, handson granny whom Kate can turn to at any moment — but she never steals the royal limelight.

Whisper it quietly, but for me, Meghan’s mom-and- daughter act felt a little too staged, with a hint of MeToo virtue- signalling and a tad too much showbiz. More hollywood, you might say, than holyrood.