Meghan Markle has been estranged from the Royal Family since she and Prince Harry stepped down as senior royals in 2020, but one expert believes there was a moment when they could have bonded.

The Duchess of Sussex on walkabout to meet members of the public at Windsor Castle in Berkshire following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. Picture date: Saturday September 10, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story DEATH Queen. Photo credit should read: Kirsty O’Connor/PA Wire (Image: PA)

Meghan Markle, despite having the “potential” to bond with King Charles, was unable to bridge the gap before a bitter feud came into the picture. Although Meghan is no longer on good terms with the Royal Family, one specialist believes there could have been an opportunity to foster a “strong” kinship within the family.

Marrying into The Firm in 2018 when she wed Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex became a focal point for royal observers around the globe. However, the couple sent shockwaves worldwide with their decision to step down as senior royals just two years later.

The Royal Family has since found themselves at odds with Harry and Meghan as the pair continue to make damning allegations about The Firm. According to relationship guru Louella Alderson, although it seems improbable that harmony will be restored, she points out there was a stage when Meghan could have built a “deeper level” connection with her in-laws.

In an exclusive sit-down with the Mirror, Louella highlighted how King Charles’ offer to accompany Meghan at her wedding signified a peace gesture by the sovereign.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on May 19, 2018 Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (2nd L), looks at his bride, Meghan Markle, as she arrives accompanied by the Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in St George’s Chapel during the wedding ceremony of Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor. – Trained from childhood to be king, Charles III has endured the longest wait for the throne in British history. He has spent virtually his entire life waiting to succeed his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, even as he took on more of her duties and responsibilities as she aged. But the late monarch’s eldest son, 73, made the most of his record-breaking time as the longest-serving heir to the throne by forging his own path. (Photo by Jonathan Brady / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

She said: “It’s unlikely that Meghan ever had a close relationship with members of the Royal Family since she started dating Prince Harry.

“Developing a close bond with family members takes time, effort and a genuine connection. Without this investment in a relationship, it’s hard to build a strong and positive bond. If there were early signs of both parties not connecting on a deeper level, it’s possible that their relationship would never be a close one.

“Despite this, there were some moments that showed the potential for a close family relationship between Meghan and the Royals. One such moment was when Charles offered to walk Meghan down the aisle on her wedding day instead of her father, who wasn’t invited.”

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 10: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018 in London, England. The 100th birthday of the RAF, which was founded on on 1 April 1918, was marked with a centenary parade with the presentation of a new Queen’s Colour and flypast of 100 aircraft over Buckingham Palace. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

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Thomas Markle had been scheduled to give his daughter away at her wedding to Harry, but things changed when Thomas became the centre of a scandal when he was caught staging paparazzi snaps of himself preparing for the wedding in exchange for payment. Thomas then confirmed he would not attend the wedding after the fallout from the scandal left him looking “stupid and hammy”.

The Palace, however, went on to confirm that the real reason behind Thomas not attending his daughter’s wedding was due to health issues. Charles then stepped in to give Meghan away.

Louella stated: “It’s unlikely that this gesture was for show but more a genuine attempt from King Charles to be supportive and welcoming of his new daughter-in-law. There has been so much that has happened between Prince Harry, Meghan and the Royal Family since the wedding that has strained their relationship. This is most likely where any potential for a close family relationship came to an end.”