When Meghan Markle began dwelling in the royal corridors before her marriage, criticism and backlash were still long down the road. At the time, the wedding bells already saw a festive spirit on the UK soil, and in the sheer anticipation of it all, the Suits actor even had the royal personalities bending a tradition just for her. Although the festive happy hours no longer see the Sussexes’ footprints, this holiday season saw a special guest whose aura bore the Duchess’ stamp of approval.

Following in Markle’s footsteps, this royal rule-breaker dared to defy palace protocol. Despite the breach, King Charles’ hands remained extended in blessing.

The annual walk from Sandringham House to St. Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Day is a high-profile regal affair that allows royal officials to mingle with the ordinary and for the less popular royals to make headlines. Although high-profile personalities like Kate Middleton and Mike Tindall were prohibited from joining the family on the Christmas walk, Princess Margaret’s eldest grandchild, Samuel Chatto got special permission to bring his girlfriend, Eleanor Ekserdijan, the second royal bend after Meghan Markle (via The Express).

The royal family’s Christmas celebrations are steeped in tradition and formalities. But this year was a merry surprise of unfamiliarity. Chatto is not a working royal but makes rare appearances in family matters. Chatto, the potter, started dating fellow artist, Ekserdijan, in 2021. She was spotted walking alongside him on the Christmas walk. The fact that he had King Charles’ blessing comes from the glimpse of his $144 Highgrove Heritage Scarf, which the king gifted his close relatives last Christmas.

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While Samuel Chatto’s move has tabloids speculating wedding bells, it brings back the memories of Meghan Markle. 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Christmas in the royal hallways may seem like a distant memory following their recent absences. However, after the news of Samuel Chatto, the 2017 Christmas brought back the memories. Markle spent her first Christmas at Sandringham with the royal family 7 years ago, marking a break in the tradition since the only plus-ones permitted are after officially tying the knot.

The Sussexes announced their engagement a month before that year, and the royal family made an exception. Markle even recounted the memories of her first Christmas in Sandringham in the Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, a game-changer on its own. Thus, even though Markle’s appearance may not be in the Christmas cards of the royal, at least, the inspiration now flows in the royal DNA.

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What do you think of Samuel Chatto's inspiration from Meghan Markle? Let us know in the comments below!