Regardless of the social mores of the times we live in, there is absolutely no way I can see HM instructing her grandchildren to shack up with their intended fiance's and take marriage for a test drive.
That the Queen would wish them to give deep thought and even prayer, yes that I can believe, but to advocate living in sin? I sincerely doubt it and would, therefore, like to see the reference to HM advice.
That HM is aware that William and Catherine effectively lived together on and off since they met at St Andrews and that Harry's girlfriends have stayed overnight or a weekend, is a given. I am sure she is watching with interest since Meghan has stayed for weeks on end.
I am sure she prays for the best for all her grandchildren but to imagine she is pragmatic about morality is a push...
You seem as if you are doing some pearl-clutching @ Marg.
I don't recall the exact wording, but I read about this several years ago in either a book about the British royals or in one of the publications that focus exclusively on reporting about European royalty (and I don't mean Daily Fail!)
I did not see it as that big a deal to keep a refer back record of the source.
Of course whatever Queen Elizabeth imparted to her grandchildren was done discreetly and privately, which does not mean courtiers and palace p.r. wouldn't know and/or be the source of the reported info. If any part of the report is true, certainly QE was not specifically referring to 'shacking-up' at random or irresponsibly, but to her grandchildren being absolutely certain that they are compatible with their prospective life partners. IOW, know each other well so there are no rude surprises after exchange of vows and rings. The royal family has learned their lessons re Charles & Diana saga, among other turbulent relationship dramas.
I don't see Harry living with Meghan (officially) and I can't imagine the Queen advising such either.
If they are still an item come fall...I wouldn't be surprised at an engagement this winter or early next year with a wedding 3 to 6 months later.
I agree with you @Pranter re speculative time frame should Meghan & Harry marry. It seems that they are headed in that direction. The Tig was not only a 'passion project' for Meghan, but it apparently netted her a substantial income after it took off with endorsements, etc. Closing it down abruptly and completely seems to signal that Meghan's life is moving in an entirely different direction. It's also worth noting that one of her essays on The Tig is what led to her being asked to join UN Women, which launched her humanitarian efforts in Africa, among other projects, well before she met Harry of Wales.
Meghan surely is someone who was going to be and has been successful at whatever she has focused on doing. She doesn't need Harry. It just appears that they are compatible with each other and very serious about taking their relationship to the next level.
As far as "living with each other," semantics, semantics...
MM & PH have essentially been spending a lot of days and nights at Kensington Palace together, as well as vacationing together, no? I guess we shall soon find out whether or not Meghan moves to London after
Suits wraps, and whether she will reside in a residence other than Harry's old or new living quarters at Kensington.
I totally agree with everyone who made reference to the fact that PH and MM are adults in their 30s who have had more than one previous relationship, have experienced life's ups and downs, and happen to know who they are and want they each want out of life. I think they have been very responsible about taking things slowly and cautiously in getting to know each other, in particular out of the glare of public scrutiny. Few even knew about their relationship for several months! Obviously within that time, they became comfortable enough with each other to know their level of commitment. They knew their connection would eventually become widely known. However, they may have continued seeing each other discreetly without public comment, if the tabloids and paparazzi had not gone ballistic.
To be honest I think the success or failure of a marriage lies absolutely with those who have entered into it in good faith. Expecting an 18-year-old to have a 12-18 month engagement seems sensible but demanding the same of people in their 30's seems totally unreasonable.
