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King Charles Cozying Up to an Unexpected Family Member Is a Swipe at Meghan We All Missed

King Charles's tight-knit bond with an unlikely family member at Royal Ascot snubbed Meghan Markle and her family in the US.

King Charles made a triumphant appearance at Royal Ascot on June 17, despite reports suggesting that his cancer was slowing him down. The monarch arrived in a carriage procession alongside Queen Camilla to attend the prestigious sporting event. While Charles appeared hale and hearty, Kate Middleton pulled out of the event reportedly to balance rest and public duty. In the absence of his 'beloved daughter-in-law', the King was seen sharing a warm moment with her mother, Carole Middleton. His playful banter with her subtly snubbed Meghan Markle as it highlighted the contrast in how the royals treat Kate's family as opposed to Markle's.

Carole, who was seated in the royal box alongside the monarch, was seen hugging and laughing with Charles as they watched the races together. At one point, Charles also covered his mouth to whisper something to her. In another photo, she was cheekily pointing at him. As reported by Nicki Swift, Charles and Carole's intimate moments highlight how Markle's family was never really as close to the royal family. Even if Prince Harry and Prince William were not feuding, it seems unlikely that Doria Ragland, Markle's mother, would have shared such a close bond with the King as Kate's mother did.

Carole has been a familiar face at key royal events and is far more integrated into royal circles than Ragland. The only public photos of Charles and Ragland together date back to Harry and Markle’s 2018 wedding and Prince Archie’s christening in 2019. Meanwhile, Carole’s close relationship with the royals can be traced to her daughter’s long history with William, whom she began dating in 2001 when they were 19 and studying at St. Andrews. Moreover, Ragland resides in California, across the pond from the royals.

Carole was also spotted sharing a warm moment with her son-in-law, William. The two were seen chatting, hugging, and laughing in the royal box. Speaking of their close bond, a source told the Daily Mail, "He is in thrall to her capabilities, her tenacity, high-energy levels, her superb organizational skills, and her networking. She, above anyone else, knows what makes Kate happy, what type of staff she will gel with, and understands her overriding need for loyalty and privacy." 

When it comes to the Sussexes, Harry is reportedly closer to his mother-in-law than to his own family, following his public fallout with Charles. As reported by The Mirror, the Duke and Ragland share a strong bond, with the two frequently spending time together in California, where he lives with Markle and their two children. While Charles shared a warm moment with Carole at Royal Ascot, it is unlikely that Harry and Markle took it personally, as long as they have Ragland by their side.