Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly set to spend Christmas at their Montecito home, marking another year they will be absent from the royal family’s traditional holiday celebrations. Sources confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not invited to the annual royal Christmas gathering at Sandringham House.
Instead of joining King Charles and other members of the royal family in the UK, Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will celebrate the festive season with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. This will be a cozy family Christmas in their California mansion, ensuring a joyful holiday for their young children away from the royal drama.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at ESPY Awards, indicating their current life away from royal duties
An insider close to the couple revealed to Closer that Harry and Meghan are planning to make their home celebrations “extra special” for Archie and Lilibet. “Meghan’s mom Doria will join them at home in Montecito and they’ll ensure the children have a joyful day, despite not being around extended family,” the source stated, suggesting that the couple had anticipated not receiving an invitation from Buckingham Palace.
Since stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the United States in 2020, the Sussexes have consistently remained distanced from royal events throughout the year. Their absence from the Sandringham Christmas gathering has become an expected part of the narrative surrounding their relationship with the royal family. The last time Prince Harry and Meghan spent Christmas with the royals at Sandringham was in 2018, prior to their departure from royal life.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Archie and Doria Ragland, reflecting their family life in Montecito
While an invitation to Sandringham did not materialize, it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan were invited to spend Christmas at Althorp House, the ancestral home of Princess Diana. This invitation from Princess Diana’s family offered an alternative for a UK Christmas. Prince Harry has reportedly maintained a close relationship with his mother’s side of the family, particularly his uncle Charles Spencer, since leaving royal duties.
However, security concerns ultimately prevented Prince Harry and Meghan from accepting the Althorp invitation. The couple has been embroiled in ongoing disputes regarding their security arrangements in the UK after being removed from taxpayer-funded protection. “Both Harry and Meghan agree that they shouldn’t return to the UK until the security arrangements are resolved,” the source explained. “Until then, they will only travel to the UK for special occasions or pre-planned visits,” highlighting the significant barrier security issues pose to their return.
Royal Family at Christmas service in 2018, the last time Harry and Meghan joined the Sandringham celebration
Adding to the complexities of their relationship with the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan no longer have an official residence in the UK. King Charles reportedly issued an eviction notice for Frogmore Cottage, their former royal residence, further severing their ties to official royal life in Britain. Meghan Markle has not returned to London since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, emphasizing their physical and perhaps emotional distance from the royal family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle exiting St Paul's Cathedral, symbolizing their departure from royal engagements
As Prince Harry and Meghan prepare for a Christmas away from the royal family, the royals themselves are gearing up for the festive season in the UK. The Princess of Wales is organizing a special Christmas carol concert, a traditional event that underscores the contrasting Christmas experiences of the two branches of the family – one celebrating within the royal fold, and the other carving out their own traditions in California. This Christmas separation further emphasizes the ongoing rift and the distinct paths Prince Harry and Meghan have chosen since stepping away from royal duties.
