Meghan Markle's Mom Not Given Special Treatment Over Kate Middleton's Parents

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry won't be joined by the duchess' mom, Doria Ragland, this Christmas.

Recent reports claimed that Ragland had been personally invited by Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the royal family to spend Christmas with them this year, despite Kate Middleton's parents not being given the same honor.

However, it seems Markle's mom has not been given preferential treatment over Middleton's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, as she had not been extended an invitation to the royal family Christmas celebration after all.

A source told Us Weekly that Ragland won't be joining Markle, Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family in Sandringham House in Norfolk. The insider explained that while Markle's mother is "welcome" at Sandringham, she had not been formally invited to celebrate with them this Christmas.

This news comes at the heels of reports that Queen Elizabeth broke royal precedent and extended an invitation to Ragland for Christmas dinner at Sandringham. Express journalist Adam Helliker claimed in November that the Queen had wanted the former "Suits" actress to have at least one member of her family over, especially now that she's pregnant with her and Prince Harry's first child.

However, this seemed unlikely even at the time as Middleton's parents have never been allowed by the Queen to stay at the Norfolk estate. The Middletons have only joined the royal family during their annual church service on Christmas morning and usually stay near Anmer Hall instead of Sandringham.

Meanwhile, this year will be Markle's second Christmas with her husband's family. The duchess, who tied the knot with Prince Harry in May, broke royal tradition when she joined the royal family for Christmas last year, even before she officially joined the Firm. Markle had apparently been allowed to join them as her family was based in Los Angeles and she didn't have anyone to spend Christmas with in the U.K.

"Attending as a fiancée is a first for the family," a source told Us Weekly in 2017. "Given that Meghan doesn’t have family in the U.K., it’s only right that she spends Christmas with Harry and his."

But while she may not be invited for Christmas dinner this year, Ragland may still move to the U.K. in the near future. Another source said that Markle apparently wants her mom to be closer to her after her baby is born.