Meghan Markle and Prince Harry married in their spectacular May 2018 royal wedding, and welcomed their firstborn Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor last month. Their royal romance began in 2016, however Meghan faced some difficulties being introduced to the world as Harry’s new partner. Pippa Middleton, who shot to fame at her sister Kate Middleton’s royal wedding in 2011, married her fiance James Matthews in May 2017.
Alongside Kate and husband Prince William, other royal guests included Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie.
However, the Middleton family reportedly did not want Meghan Markle to attend.
In December 2018, The Sun’s royal correspondent Emily Andrews wrote: “Meghan faced some opposition from the Middleton family, who didn’t want to invite her to Pippa’s wedding last May.
“They feared Meghan’s first public appearance with Prince Harry would overshadow the bride’s big day.”
The Duchess of Cambridge and Carole Middleton; Meghan Markle (Image: Getty)
Princess Charlotte and Prince George were bridal attendants for their aunt's wedding (Image: Getty)
In the event, Meghan only appeared for the evening reception, after Harry made a 50-mile dash to collect her from Kensington Palace in time for the celebrations.
The lavish party included a Spitfire fly-past over the Middleton’s home village of Bucklebury, which cost an estimated £700,000.
A source at the time said: “[Harry] left as discreetly as possible and travelled with her all the way back up, showing just how serious he is about her.
"He didn't want Meghan having to arrive along, without him alongside her, at the reception."