Meghan Markle made history today after the Queen took the unprecedented step of inviting her to spend Christmas at Sandringham before she marries Prince Harry.
The star, 36, will spend the festive period at Her Majesty's private estate in Norfolk even though Kate Middleton was only asked after she walked down the aisle with Prince William in 2011.
The Queen's invitation to the US-born actress is further evidence of the royal family's warm welcome for her ahead of the couple's May wedding at Windsor Castle.
Meghan, who will take British citizenship and get baptised by the Church of England before the wedding, will also attend the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham.
She and Harry, 33, who are now living together in a two-bed cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace, will also take part in the traditional walk to mass by the entire royal family.
It represents something of a break with tradition, as Kate was not at Sandringham on Christmas Day in 2010, despite the fact her engagement to Prince William had been announced to the world a month before.
The couple got engaged on November 27 and a few days later a proud Harry introduced his bride-to-be to the nation during a series of official events in Nottingham. The are set to marry in May in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Buckingham Palace has said the Queen and other members of the royal family will join the congregation for the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25.
Meghan's invite represents a break from tradition, however, as Kate was not invited to join the royals for Christmas in 2010 despite the announcement of her engagement William a month before. She spent her first Christmas with the royals the following year.
