She’s only been a part of the extended royal family for a few months, but Meghan Markle‘s mom, Doria Ragland, is already taking on a much bigger role than Kate Middleton‘s mom, Carole Middleton

Since Kate, 36, tied the knot with Prince William back in 2011, Carole, 63, and her husband, Michael Middleton, have mostly taken a behind-the-scenes and privately supportive position in the royal family. Doria, 62, on the other hand, accompanied her 37-year-old daughter, Meghan, at an official royal event this week — something Carole has never done! 

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Though Carole is often spotted attending special occasions like her eldest daughter’s royal wedding to William (obviously!) and the regal christenings of her famous granchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, Mrs. Middleton primarily shies away from the royal spotlight. 

In the past, she has been photographed at events like Royal Ascot and Queen Elizabeth‘s annual Christmas Day church service, but she was just a guest and not attending in any official royal capacity. 

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Doria similarly supported her daughter at her May 2018 royal wedding to Prince Harry and also accompanied Meghan to the 2017 Invictus Games held in Toronto. But her latest royal event — a Kensington Palace party celebrating the publication of Meg’s new charity cookbook — was arguably her biggest yet because she attended as an extended member of the monarchy. Since the Queen seemingly allowed her to do so, perhaps Ms. Ragland is planning to take on a much bigger royal role beside her daughter in the future! 

Over the years, Carole has also formed a special bond with Queen Elizabeth, 92. The two have previously been photographed riding in cars together (with Carole in the front seat ride beside the monarch!) and the Queen has even personally invited Carole and Michael to visit Balmoral Castle in Scotland

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Doria was just thrust into the royal spotlight a few months ago, so we’re sure as time goes on she’ll form a bond with the Queen, too. Shortly after Meghan’s wedding, a source gushed that Doria absolutely loved meeting Queen Elizabeth. “Doria is saying the biggest highlight of the wedding, of course after watching her daughter say ‘I Do’ to the man she loves, was meeting the Queen,” the insider shared. How cute!

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