Meghan Markle may have been hailed as a “breath of fresh air” when she and Prince Harry wed back in 2018 but, behind-the-scenes, the British public were also smitten with the actress’s mum, Doria Ragland.

Always a quiet but reassuring presence in contrast to the drama and razzmatazz surrounding her famous daughter, Doria, 67, practically glowed (and that’s not just her amazing complexion) with positivity and calm.

Even King Charles is a huge fan, after having held her hand through the Royal Wedding.

And while Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, have endured a tumultuous four years since stepping back from the royals as they continue their fight against their dwindling popularity, Doria, naturally, has been THRIVING.

Just last month, the yoga teacher was spotted with none other than Beyonce’s mum, Tina Knowles, at The Kinsey African American Art and History Collection party, with the pair posing for a photo together like long lost pals.

Their meeting also follows Doria’s hobnobbing with ‘Momager’ Kris Jenner last Summer at a humanitarian event in LA.

And after months of spending what is reported to be a fortune on PR to boost their Sussex brand, a source now reveals that Meghan and Harry have experienced a dramatic U-turn in realising that their ‘secret weapon’ has  been with them all along.

The insider says, “The irony is that the answer to their hopes and dreams has been right under their noses! Doria is the secret weapon that they’ve needed all along. She’s got the magic touch.

“They’ve been looking so far and wide for a way for the ‘perfect PR recipe’ to get their popularity back on track in Hollywood and woo some of the bigger names into their fold, it’s been driving them crazy.

“While Harry and Meghan are having to chase and build their connections, everybody just gravitates towards Doria. King Charles is a huge fan, Kris Jenner loves her and so does Tina Knowles. She’s so sincere and engaging.”

Back in 2020, when Harry and Meghan first sensationally quit their life as working members of the Royal Family, it was immediately made clear that Doria would play an integral role in helping the couple to pursue their American dream. 

It was reported at the time that, whilst house-hunting, Meghan had insisted that their new home boast a ‘granny annexe’ for Doria to stay with them regularly. 

However, as the couple continue to weather the storm of their feud with the royals – as well as dealing with a series of professional blows last year – in January it was reported that Doria has now moved into the guest house of Harry and Meghan’s £11.6 million Montecito mansion. 

A source said at the time, “Doria has really been Meghan’s rock over the past year. Not only has she been there for her daughter but has enjoyed helping to look after the grandchildren. Harry adores her as well and loves having her there.”

And while Doria – who is estranged, alongside Meghan, from her ex-husband Thomas Markle –  has undoubtedly been a huge emotional support to the couple, she has also helped to care for her grandchildren – Archie, four, and two-year-old Lilibet. 

Now the source says Harry and Meghan have officially approached to support them professionally, too. Cue the new ‘Momager’ in the town – who the insider says is a secret master-schmoozer and more than happy for a slice of the showbiz action.  

The source continues, “There really is something very special about Doria. Meghan and Harry would never pressure her, but she seems more than happy to help. 

“She loves the limelight to a certain extent, so they’re going to use that to their advantage and get her out to some of these events and give her a good time in the process. 

“And why shouldn’t she have a little slice of the pie? She’s got a brilliant mind and reads people so well; she can help guide them and give them advice and help them make top quality contacts.”

Following the loss of their £16 million Spotify deal last May, the couple have struggled to produce any content that has brought in the millions they banked following their 2021 Oprah interview, their 2022 Netflix documentary and Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare. 

But with their anger against the Royal Family well vented, and their profitable connection to the monarchy now on tenterhooks as the family all but isolate them entirely, the couple are on borrowed time. 

Meghan promised fans in November that she and Harry had “so many exciting things on the slate” for this year – only to leave fans shocked when she teased the launch of her own homeware brand, American Riviera Orchard, last month. 

But while the project may be a seeming departure from the feminist values that saw her launch her podcast Archetypes in 2022, the source says Meghan is hoping Doria can rope in some major power players to help her brand gain the celebrity seal of approval it desperately needs. 

The insider says, “There’s no sugarcoating the fact they’re in a dire state and they need all the help they can get right now, which is why they’re enlisting Doria. The hope is that she can build relationships and ultimately help them land some more partnerships and deals. 

“They’ve got a long list of stars they want her to connect with, mostly women in her age range who they think she’ll genuinely click with. Top of the list is Michelle Obama, who Doria gets on with, as well as Oprah, Michelle Obama, Goldie Hawn, Tina Knowles and Diana Ross. 

“Meghan’s on the lookout for any and all stars that she could rope in to help her promote her brand and getting the stamp of approval from a diva like Diana would be huge, so she’s asked Doria to make an extra effort to schmooze her.” 

The source continues, “Doria has already made a great impression on so many people. That’s why Meghan and Harry see her as this perfect ambassador.”