Queen Elizabeth breaks royal tradition as she invites Meghan Markle to join Prince Harry and their family at Sandringham on Christmas Day

Queen Elizabeth has broken the royal tradition by inviting Meghan Markle to join the royal family for the Christmas festivities at Sandringham.

The American actress who is not yet married to Prince Harry will be seen in public with other royals when they attend the traditional Christmas Day church service on the Queen's private estate in Norfolk.

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace confirmed the news today, saying: 'You can expect to see The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle at Sandringham on Christmas Day.'

The queen's exception by inviting Meghan Markle breaks the tradition, which had been adhered for long. In 2010, Kate was not invited to join the royals for Christmas despite the announcement of her engagement William a month before.

It was also revealed that the Queen and other members of the royal family will join the congregation for the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will also be in attendance this year, after opting to spend December 25th with the Middletons in 2016.

Meanwhile, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry who got engaged on November 2, are set to marry in May 2018, in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.