THE QUEEN has invited the Duchess of Sussex’s mother Doria to join the Royal Family for Christmas at Sandringham.
A senior royal source said that the unique move was “a very thoughtful gesture”.
The offer is without precedent, even towards Prince William’s in-laws.
Although the Queen has asked members of the Middleton family to join them for the Christmas morning church service, they have been based nearby at Kate and William’s home, Anmer Hall, rather than at the Norfolk estate.
The source added: “It’s a mark of the Queen’s respect for Meghan and an acknowledgement that she doesn’t have any other relations in this country – unlike Kate who has the support of a very close family.”
It is also a warm move towards Doria Ragland, 62, who impressed the Queen with her quiet composure at Prince Harry’s wedding in May, and whose dignity in the face of worldwide media interest has been in stark contrast to the antics of Meghan’s father Thomas.
Her presence at Sandringham will fuel speculation that Doria, who lives in Windsor Hills, Los Angeles, is considering a longer stay in Britain to support her daughter before Meghan gives birth in spring.
Doria may have already started preparing for her departure from Los Angeles by leaving her job as a social worker for the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services clinic in LA.
She has also worked as a part-time make-up artist, travel agent and yoga instructor.
