King Charles and Prince William have reportedly decided that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be invited to Sandringham for Christmas with the Royal Family, according to Woman and Home. Reports had suggested the Sussexes would travel to the USA for the festive season to spend it with Meghan's mother, Doria.
Royal editor calls decision 'quiet act of revenge'
Writing for Woman and Home, royal editor Emily Andrews said: "Despite their insistence that they're royal, that they are 'public figures' undertaking royal-style engagements and are still members of the family, they have been cut off from a royal Christmas. They're effectively banned."
Andrews added: "It's a strong message from the King and Prince William. Arguably a quiet act of revenge. After all, Christmas is a time for family, peace and reconciliation. But after the Sussex strategy to defy the Sandringham Summit and essentially stick two fingers up at the institution, what choice do Charles and William have?"
Estrangement and trust concerns
Prince Harry and Prince William remain estranged, and it is understood the brothers do not have any contact. Meghan and Harry have made several allegations against the Royal Family since quitting their roles in 2020.
According to Woman and Home, a friend reportedly said: "There is no trust there with his brother and sister-in-law. The prince is concerned for his own family - he has to protect them and their privacy. Any conversation, any Christmas presents, any moment could be regurgitated for the Sussexes' commercial profit. If Harry and Meghan were to be invited to family events, I think you'd find that he and Catherine would have other plans."
Harry's hopes for reconciliation
The Sussexes met with King Charles in July, and Harry has spoken about his hopes to reconcile with his family. The Duke said he wants to repair his complicated relationships with his father and brother, in a magazine interview.
"Some people don't want it to work out. I want it to work out. With everything else that's going on in the world, the most important thing is to reconcile - that's the key point," Prince Harry told GQ. "Scars stick around forever. But what your perception is, and what your mindset is to those things that have happened, letting go of the past, that's something that I would encourage everybody to do," he added.
