Now that the ‘Suits’ actor Meghan Markle’s officially the future duchess, her holidays are about to get way more majestic too. Prince Harry’s fiancee is officially breaking royal custom and joining in on the celebrations hosted by the Queen this year.
So what is this royal protocol that Markle will be breaking?
That said, tradition previously dictated that unmarried partners of royalty only receive invites after the wedding. As a matter of fact, Kate Middleton didn’t spend the Christmas holiday with Prince William during their engagement back in 2010.
“You can expect to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, and Ms. Markle at Sandringham on Christmas Day,” said a source.
With Markle’s Christmas plans officially bolted in place, here’s the line up of activities for her first big Christmas with the royal family.
1. Meghan and Prince Harry will travel to Sandringham.
The royal family traditionally visits their “country house” in Norfolk, England, every year. The estate is much smaller than most royal residences, so only the Queen’s special family members stay there. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will invite Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to stay with them at nearby Anmer Hall.
2. The future Duchess will watch a soccer match.
Prince William and Prince Harry lately started a unique custom of their own, teaming up with estate workers to play nearby villagers for charity.
3. Some Christmas Eve tea for the Duchess, please.
After an energetic game, the royals head back at the estate for an afternoon tea. As the adults munch on scones and jam penny sandwiches, the little ones usually add decorations to the Christmas tree.
4. Time to exchange some gag gifts.
Yes! you heard that right! just because they’re royalty doesn’t mean they don’t have a sense of humor. After the high tea, the spirits rise and its a total uproar as the royals exchange jokey gifts, according to the Queen’s nephew Viscount Linley.
5. Raising a toast on Christmas Eve.
While the Christmas Eve dinner sounds formal, the Queen is known to read out corny jokes from the Christmas crackers and indulge in Dubonnet-and-gin cocktails. They are also served cherry brandy and cider that’s brewed on the estate.
6. Two church services for the Royals Too bad that she can’t have a lot of the freshly brewed cherry brandy because there’s an early wake-up call the next morning. The family first attends a private service at 9 a.m. when the Queen takes Communion and then heads back to the church of St. Mary Magdalene for public worship at 11 a.m.
5. She’ll eat a big Christmas Lunch. After church, the Royals go back and dig into their main meal: a lunch of roasted turkey, traditional sides and Christmas pudding, according to former royal chef Darren McGrady. Sounds like heaven!
6. The Queen’s speech
Post the heavy lunch, it’s time to listen to the Queen’s annual Christmas message that’s broadcast around the world. This year, the Queen is expected to congratulate Prince Harry and his bride-to-be!
7. A game of Charades
Following a lighter buffet dinner, evening activities include charades, jigsaw puzzles, or a movie projected onto a screen in the ballroom.
8. A royal shoot
It’s not the shoot that the actress is used to, this is the royal hunting game. Prince Philip usually hosts a traditional pheasant hunt on the estate, Markle, a noted animal lover, will abstain from the activity. She may join the Queen for a long walk around the estate instead.
This definitely sounds like an eventful Christmas for Meghan Markle.