Her Majesty has decided to move away from royal protocol by inviting Meghan's mother Doria Ragland to their annual Christmas festivities in Sandringham.
A senior royal source has told The Express that the unique move was "a very thoughtful gesture".
"It's a mark of the Queen's respect for Meghan and an acknowledgement that she doesn't have any other relations in this country - unlike Kate who has the support of a very close family."
Catherine's family, who live close by, are invited to the morning church service.
Doria was the only member of Meghan's family to attend her wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor Castle in May.
It is reported the Ragland is in the midst of a permanent move to the UK, in a bid to be closer to her daughter, who will welcome her firstborn in the spring of 2019.
