Meghan Markle's unforgettable royal introduction with 'man holding purse'

When Meghan Markle first entered Prince Harry’s royal world, she was quickly welcomed by several members of his family. 

But one early encounter came with a rather unexpected moment she had no idea who one of the most recognisable men in the room was.

The meeting took place at Royal Lodge, where Harry brought Meghan to see his aunt Sarah Ferguson. 

Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank and other family members were also there, but the gathering was briefly interrupted by the arrival of Queen Elizabeth.

According to Harry’s account in Spare, the Queen was accompanied by her son Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was carrying her handbag as he helped her leave.

Harry said Meghan had received plenty of praise for her curtsy to the Queen. But then she asked him about the man she had seen walking the monarch to the door.

She described him as the man holding the purse. Harry then realised she was referring to Andrew.

Harry recalled that King Charles and Queen Camilla were particularly taken with Meghan's affection for dogs, while Princess Eugenie welcomed her with the familiarity of someone greeting an old friend.

Eugenie, in particular, has remained one of Harry and Meghan's closest royal connections. She and Jack have also spent considerable time in Portugal, where the Sussexes are rumoured to have links of their own.