Princess Beatrice gave Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the nod to film at the Queen’s private cottage

Royal insiders have answered a big question about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s controversial Netflix show, as Catherine beamed for a TV special.

Princess Beatrice reportedly gave permission to her cousin Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle to film inside the late Queen’s childhood playhouse.

Footage of the couple drinking tea in the cottage was used in the couple’s controversial Netflix series, Harry & Meghan.

According to royal insiders, Princess Beatrice and her sister, Princess Eugenie, are among the few royals still in contact with the Sussexes.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the late Queen’s childhood playhouse. Picture: Netflix

The cottage, which was gifted to the then Princess Elizabeth when she was just six years old, is named Y Bwthyn Bach and has stood close to Royal Lodge within Windsor Great Park since 1932.

The cottage was a sixth birthday present to Queen Elizabeth II for the people of Wales.

It was intended as a symbol of the affection the Welsh people held for the young princess who, at that stage, never expected to become Queen.

Princess Beatrice in the cottage with journalist Andrew Marr in his 2012 series The Diamond Queen. Picture: BBC

In 2010, the late Queen gifted the cottage to Princess Beatrice who overtook custodianship of the extravagant playhouse.

The 34-year-old, who is now mother to one-year-old daughter Sienna, oversaw a year-long renovation of the cottage.

Following the completion, Princess Beatrice invited Andrew Marr inside for the BBC’s The Diamond Queen in 2012.

This was first time cameras had been allowed access to the cottage.

Princess Elizabeth outside the cottage in June 1936, when she was 10. Picture: Getty Images

Since it was first gifted to the late monarch in 1932, the cottage has served as the official royal playhouse for generations since.

The cottage, which is also known as ‘The Little Cottage’, came complete with electric lighting, running water and a working phone.

It also boasts cutlery, utensils, and furniture.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie (top left) are reportedly among the few royals in contact with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Picture: Getty Images

The playhouse measures at 6.7 metres wide and 4.5 metres high and contains a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.

During their childhood years, the then-Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret claimed the cottage as their favourite pastime and looked after it themselves.

Princess Beatrice has described the cottage as “the most glamorous [play]house ever”.

PRINCESS OF WALES BEAMS FOR TV SPECIAL

Catherine has invited the public to join a ‘very special’ Christmas carol service in a new festive trailer ahead for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas.

In a brand new trailer, the Princess of Wales fronts the camera in a 19-second clip as she encouraged viewers to tune in to the program that is set to be “full of festive carols and beautiful performances”.

The annual show – airing at 7pm on Christmas Eve on ITV – was filmed on December 15 at Westminster Abbey, where the princess was joined by her husband Prince William and their children Prince George, nine, and Princess Charlotte, seven.

The 40-year-old was also joined at the London occasion by King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, as well as Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.

“Join us this Christmas Eve for a very special service at Westminster Abbey full of festive carols and beautiful performances as we celebrate what makes this the most wonderful time of year,” the Princess of Wales said in the trailer.

The service, which is led by the princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, will showcase the selfless efforts of communities, families and individuals across the country.

It will also celebrate the joy of bringing people together as many enjoy their first Christmas with their family following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The footage then shows moments from the service, including the choir singing festive carols.

For the trailer, the royal wore a sequin gown worth £460 ($828) by British brand Needle & Thread while standing in front of a Christmas tree lit with fairy lights and draped with golden and red bows and baubles.

The mother-of-three kept her hair in loose waves and her makeup low-key with a glossy nude lip, letting the bold dress take centre stage.

Combining traditional and modern elements to include people of all faiths and none, the service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation’s most beloved carols, including ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’, which was selected through a public poll.

Originally published as Princess Beatrice gave Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the nod to film at the Queen’s private cottage