Kate Middleton and Prince William had been dating for five years when the Queen decided to break from tradition and invite the future Duchess of Cambridge to a very special event – but she said no

 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s latest interview gate crashed by unexpected visitorMeghan Markle and Prince Harry’s latest interview gate crashed by unexpected visitor  

Months before Meghan Markle donned her first tiara and joined the royal family, she was invited to spend Christmas with her future in-laws.

The beamed as she joined the Queen, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles and the rest of The Firm in Sandringham, officially beginning her royal journey.

But people were quick to ask why the same offer hadn’t been extended to Kate, who didn’t join them for the celebrations until the Christmas after her wedding – and she was officially royal.

A new book claims that the Queen did actually invite Kate to a festive engagement prior to her engagement to William, but she turned it down.