Meghan Markle 'Draws a Lot of Strength from Her Mother,' Doria Ragland

"Doria is classy, chic and confident," Meghan's friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin tells PEOPLE in this week's issue

Photo: Nordstrom

Meghan Markle has displayed self-assurance and poise during her first months as a royal — attributes those who know her say come from her mother, Doria Ragland.

“Meghan draws a lot of strength from her mother. Doria is classy, chic and confident, but not unapproachable,” Meghan’s longtime friend and makeup artist Daniel Martin previously told PEOPLE. “I definitely feel Meghan gets a lot of that from her mother.”

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Doria drew plaudits for being a strong and solo role model as she accompanied her daughter to church on her wedding day.

With Meghan initially entering St. George’s Chapel alone and walking unaccompanied up the aisle, Doria watched on, tears in her eyes, as her daughter joined Prince Harry at the altar.

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The characteristics that inspired Meghan’s steady confidence were plain to see for those who met Doria at the parties following the Windsor Castle wedding on May 19.

“She has a softness, but I detected a steely core to her,” says a royal family friend. “She has come through a hell of a lot.”

Doria, the source adds, “was lovely to talk to and bursting with pride.”