Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton friendship news: Prince Harry introduces American girlfriend to the Duchess of Cambridge

Amee Florence Payno Thursday, January 19, 2017

A promotional photo of Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in the TV series "Suits." | Facebook/SUITSonUSA

Prince Harry has finally introduced girlfriend Meghan Markle to sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, for the very first time.

According to The Sun, their sources reveal that not only did Prince Harry introduce the "Suits" actress to the Duchess of Cambridge last Tuesday, Jan. 10, but he also introduced Markle to his niece, Princess Charlotte.

The meeting had taken place in London at the Kensington Palace apartment the Duchess resides in with Prince William, 3-year-old Prince George, and 20-month-old Princess Charlotte. The Duchess had just celebrated her 35th birthday the day before.

"Kate was really looking forward to meeting Meghan and she knew how important it was to Harry," a source told The Sun. "Obviously Harry's mother, Princess Diana, died when he was very young so Kate really fulfills that older sister/maternal role. They are very close and he really values her opinion on girlfriends," the source went on to say.

Markle and Prince Harry have officially been dating for almost eight months. The couple was first rumored to be in a relationship last October, but their romance was only confirmed in November when Kensington Palace issued a statement asking the public to desist from harassing the American actress.

After meeting Middleton, Us Weekly reported that the couple had spent some quality time together in Prince Harry's Nottingham cottage home at Kensington Palace.

"Meghan's so happy she's getting to know more of Harry's nearest and dearest," an insider reportedly told Us Weekly, even going so far as to reveal that the meeting "went well."

According to The Daily Beast, Markle's introduction to the Duchess is a significant step in their relationship. This means she has now met all the senior members of the Royal Family except for the Queen. With reports that the Queen is supportive of the relationship, concerns over Harry marrying an actress has been brushed aside.

Markle had already met Harry's older brother, William, the Duke of Cambridge, last November 2016.