The Duchess of Cambridge is gearing up for an extra special Christmas to welcome newcomer Meghan Markle into the royal family.
Kate has told friends she wants the 36-year-old American actress to feel ‘loved and cherished’ as she starts hernew life away from home in a different country.
And now that Harry and Meghan are officially engaged, you could expect them to stay with William and Kate at Anmer Hall, their home a couple of miles from the big house at Sandringham,’ royal author Phil Dampier says.
‘The whole family arrive on Christmas Eve at Sandringham House – when they open their presents, then have a big black-tie dinner.
‘Meghan will be expected to dress up to the hilt and she will undoubtedly look incredibly glamorous.
‘It’s going to be a baptism of fire for Meghan, because there will be at least 30 members of the royal family there and she will be the outsider.’
A palace insider adds: ‘Kate has really taken a shine to Meghan, and she is determined to take her under her wing and make it a magical and memorable Christmas.
‘She knows how nerve- racking it is when you first join the family and so it must be even harder for Meghan, who is uprooting from her home of five years and many of her friends.
‘And Meghan will have to get used to all the silly quirks and foibles of the royal family.
‘For example, the adults don’t give each other expensive gifts, because they figure they already have everything.
‘So they take delight in giving each other silly joke gifts, like Mickey Mouse socks, or presents from charity shops.
‘The children get proper gifts of course, but Meghan will be expected to join in and find something different.’
As Phil explains: ‘Meghan will be expected to take part in games, which the Queen loves.
‘They play charades and the Queen is a brilliant mimic, often doing impersonations of famous politicians.
‘This is going to be easy for Meghan as an accomplished actress – she will love it and I’m sure really make an impression.
‘Christmas is for kids, and no doubt Meghan will love playing with little George and Charlotte.
‘Kate is pregnant, and so Meghan will want to help out with chores as much as possible and get to know the staff.
No expense is spared on gifts for the kids, and George and Charlotte can look forward to some presents costing hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds.
‘All in all, it’s going to be a wonderful family Christmas for all concerned – and a royal debut Meghan won’t forget!’
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