Wording of Queen’s consent letter have royal watchers saying she prefers Kate over Meghan

THIS week the Queen gave her official consent for grandson Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to tie the knot — but keen-eyed royal fans say it shows who the monarch’s favourite is.

THIS week the Queen gave her official consent for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to tie the knot.

People have been speculating that the wording of the consent letter is proof that she prefers Kate Middleton to the American actor, but there is a key reason why it isn’t a royal snub, reports The Sun.

The letter of consent was revealed in yesterday’s Privy Council meeting at Buckingham Palace.

No, the Queen did not slight Meghan Markle by not refering to has “Our Trusty & Well-beloved” like she did Kate in the formal Consent with offical seal released the day of wedding.

If you look at the 2 online consents from Privy Council records for Will & Harry, same wording. pic.twitter.com/8fkTcwY4nh

— Gert's Royals (@Gertsroyals) March 15, 2018

It read: “I declare My Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between My Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales and Rachel Meghan Markle, which Consent I am causing to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council.”

This was similar to a consent letter she gave for Kate Middleton, 36, to marry Prince William, 35, in 2011, except for how the Duchess of Cambridge was described.

Kate’s letter described her as “our trusty and well-beloved Catherine Elizabeth Middleton”, whereas Meghan’s was simply “Rachel Meghan Markle.”

The letter of consent was revealed in a Privy Council meeting at Buckingham Palace. Picture: James Whatling/MEGA

While keen-eyed royal fans have been comparing the two introductions to claim Kate received a warmer introduction, the difference is not a snub on the Queen’s behalf.

Kate’s consent letter was from the Instrument of Consent, which comes closer to the wedding day, not the Charter of Declaration like Meghan’s was.

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When Meghan, 36, ties the knot with Prince Harry, 33, in May it is thought the Queen will give a similar personal message.

And if we compare Meghan’s letter to the Kate’s Charter of Declaration, the Duchess of Cambridge didn’t have a personal introduction either and hers simply read “Catherine Elizabeth Middleton”.

When Meghan ties the knot with Prince Harry in May it is thought the Queen will give a similar level of personal message as she did for Kate. Picture: MEGA

After the Royal Marriages Act 1772 was launched, the reigning monarch has to give permission for any member of the royal family to get married.

This was updated in 2013 so only the six in line for the throne need consent.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are to get married on Saturday, May 19.

The wedding is taking place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, which is where Harry was christened when he was three months old.

Charles and Camilla had their televised blessing there in 2005 and it offers the couple a more low-key venue than Westminster Abbey, where Kate Middleton and Prince William were married.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished with permission.