Encore: Diana to Meghan | Meet the Markles (and the Spencers) | 39
Dec 1, 2020
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In this episode, the podcast explores the Christmas traditions of the royal family, including Princess Diana's experience and Meghan Markle's first Christmas with the in-laws. It also delves into the family drama surrounding Meghan's father and his decision to skip the wedding. Additionally, the episode discusses Prince Charles' relationships and Diana's hopes for a future with him.
Meghan Markle impressed the Royal family with her soccer skills and sense of humor during her first Christmas celebration with Prince Harry at Sandringham.
Meghan Markle faced family turmoil leading up to her wedding, with her half-sister criticizing her in the media and her father ultimately not attending the ceremony.
Deep dives
Meghan Markle's first Christmas with the Royals
In December 2017, Meghan Markle spent her first Christmas with Prince Harry and the Royal family. Sandringham, the Queen's country retreat, served as the backdrop for the festive celebrations. The day included traditions such as drinks, a soccer game, tree decoration, and a fancy six-course dinner. Meghan embraced the unfamiliar traditions and impressed everyone with her soccer skills and sense of humor. Harry later shared that she did an amazing job, bringing joy to the family.
The preparations and extravagance of the royal wedding
As the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle approached, details of the event emerged. The invitations were sent out just two months before the wedding, featuring American ink on English cardstock. The dress code called for day dresses, hats for women, and suits or morning coats for men. The wedding budget reached $45 million, with a heavy focus on security measures. The couple made some unconventional choices, such as using an American cake maker and reaching out to the Archbishop of Canterbury without the Queen's permission.
Family turmoil and drama surrounding Meghan Markle's wedding
The closer the royal wedding got, the more drama unfolded within Meghan Markle's family. Her half-sister, Samantha, publicly expressed her disappointment at not being invited and criticized Meghan in the media. Meanwhile, Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, faced scrutiny for staged paparazzi photos and allegations of faking a heart attack. Eventually, Meghan had to make the decision that her father would not attend the wedding. Despite all the family turmoil, Meghan remained determined to handle the situation in her own way and keep the focus on her marriage to Prince Harry.
Diana's early years and her connection to Charles
Before delving into Meghan Markle's story, the podcast briefly explores the early years of Princess Diana. She grew up in an aristocratic family, and her sister Sarah was briefly involved with Prince Charles. After their breakup, Charles's grandmother encouraged him to pursue Diana. Their first meeting at a house party led to a dance and a conversation where Diana expressed sympathy for Charles's loneliness. The encounter sparks Charles's interest in Diana, setting the stage for their subsequent relationship.
Meghan and Harry’s wedding is set to have snipers, Oprah, and a half-a-million-dollar dress. It’ll be just perfect. But then Meghan’s family comes out of the woodwork. And if that’s not enough excitement for you, we’re also going on a whirlwind tour of Diana’s early years. Stops include the Queen’s drawing room where Diana went for playdates, the boarding school where she won an award for best-kept guinea pig, and the hay bale where she locked lips with Prince Charles.
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