Rare photos show what Meghan Markle's relationship with Queen Elizabeth II was really like

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Queen Elizabeth photographed in June 2018.John Stillwell/WPA Pool/Getty Images

• Meghan Markle was a granddaughter-in-law to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
• Meghan and the monarch appeared to have a respectful and friendly relationship.

In December 2018, Queen Elizabeth II appeared to break royal tradition by inviting Meghan Markle to Christmas lunch before she was married to Prince Harry.

The royal family and Queen Elizabeth II departing their Christmas lunch in 2017.      Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Meghan showed her respect for the monarch from the beginning. As the Queen departed their lunch, Meghan curtsied goodbye, marking her first public curtsy to Her Majesty.

Meghan Markle curtsies to Queen Elizabeth after the royal family's Christmas lunch in 2017.      DRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images

Speaking to Oprah in 2021, Meghan said the Queen had been "wonderful" to her and that she reminded her of her grandmother. This was apparent from the outset, as Meghan was included in many family events.

The royal family gather to celebrate the Queen's birthday on April 21, 2018.      John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Source: Sky News

Meghan and Prince Harry tied the knot at St George's Chapel on May 19, 2018. The Queen attended the ceremony and she also formally approved the union, as per tradition, Town & Country reports.

Queen Elizabeth II attended Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal wedding on May 19, 2018.      JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Source: Town & Country

In June 2018, Meghan and the Queen embarked on their first joint royal engagement in Cheshire, England. During the trip, the monarch gifted Meghan a pair of earrings — which Meghan wore to the monarch's funeral in September 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II is greeted with Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, as they arrive by royal train at Runcorn Station in Cheshire, England, in June 2018.      Peter Byrne - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Source: Insider

The visit appeared to be a success, as the pair were photographed smiling and laughing together.

Queen Elizabeth II sits and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018.      Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Meghan was by the Queen's side for formal photo calls. In this photo, Harry, Meghan, and the Queen posed with a group of attendees at an awards ceremony in June 2018.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth, and former Prime Minister John Major pose for a group photo during the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony on June 26, 2018.      JOHN STILLWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

They appeared in public together, even when there were rumors about Meghan and Harry's rift with the royal family. One of their last photos together was in March 2019.

The royal family gathered for the 50th anniversary of Prince Charles' investiture on March 5, 2019.      Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Source: Insider

Queen Elizabeth died at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022. Meghan curtsied to the monarch's coffin as a mark of respect during a memorial service in London.

Meghan Markle curtsies in front of Queen Elizabeth's coffin at Westminster Hall on September 14, 2022.      Christopher Furlong/Getty Images