How the Queen will 'initiate' Meghan into the royal family
Meghan Markle has eased into her role as the Duchess of Sussex, being welcomed into the royal family with open arms by her new in-laws and the public.
Now, Meghan will soon experience an ‘initiation’ into the family as she visits the Queen’s summer getaway, Balmoral.
It will be her first trip to the Scottish residence since she married Prince Harry in May.
It is believed that Harry and Meghan visited Balmoral when they were engaged last year, to introduce the Queen to the former actress over tea.
Speaking to the Express in London, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the trip was part of her royal initiation.
“An invitation to Balmoral, where the Queen is expected to remain until September, is traditionally part of the initiation into the Royal family,” he said.
The royal commentator explained that staying at Balmoral upon the request of the Queen was an initiation to introduce non-royal partners into the family, as seen when Princess Diana was introduced there in the early 1980s.
Diana passed the test but later complained she was bored while staying there.
Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Andrew and his two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, will also make an appearance at the estate.
Reportedly, the Queen takes an active role in hosting her family and hides small gifts for them.
Balmoral, which is said to be the Queen’s favourite place to stay, is a nice retreat for the royal family as it is off-limits to media and the public.
The 92-year-old started her summer holiday on Monday, arriving at the residence alone as Prince Philip is still recovering from hip surgery.
Prince William and Kate are also expected to pay a visit to Balmoral, with the couple rarely being seen in public since the christening of Prince Louis last month.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children have recently been holidaying in the private Caribbean island of Mustique with the Middleton family.