Meghan Markle's mother follows example set by Queen Elizabeth II

The 68-year-old often looks after her grandchildren Archie, five, and Lilibet, two, when the Sussexes perform public engagements.

And aside from her dedication to her family, Ragland is now being praised for mirroring the late Queen, with one trait being highlighted in particular.

A former confidant of Ragland previously told the Mail on Sunday: “She is like the Queen - she never complains and never explains.”

The phrase, thought to have originated with Benjamin Disraeli - a 19th-century British Prime Minister, is associated with the Royal Family and was a motto of the late Queen.

This sense of loyalty and duty was first witnessed by the public when Ragland was the only family member to attend Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018, the publication reports.

“She's laid-back, and people see her nose ring and dreadlocks which are cool – but make no mistake, she has a core of steel. Underestimate her at your peril,” one source said.

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Ragland has also reportedly become close with her son-in-law, who she has also become a “rock” too.

“Doria has a great warmth. She's a brilliant cook and is very motherly, but she isn't someone who seeks attention, and for Harry, her discretion and silence mean the world.”

Two days ago, the retired social worker and teacher celebrated her 68th birthday.

During last month’s faux-royal trip to Colombia, Meghan paid tribute to her mother during a speech delivered at a forum celebrating Afro-Colombian women.

The duchess said: “I find inspiration in the strong women around me. Of course, my mother being one of them.

“So much of how I approach things is less about the fight and more about how we show up in a space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity.”

She also featured in Harry and Meghan's Netflix series, where she discussed the moment she learned about her daughter's romance with the prince.

Meghan's mother said: “When she told me, we're on the phone and she says, 'Mummy I'm going out with Prince Harry'. I started whispering 'Oh my god!'”

Regarding meeting Prince Harry, she said: “I remember when I first met him too, a 6’1 handsome man with red hair, really great manners.

“It was just really nice and they looked really happy together, like he was the one.

“Once it was announced that they were together it seemed kind of like a novelty.”