Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning to spend Christmas with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, in the US, according to a friend of the couple speaking to the Sunday Times. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK in August with their two children, just days after announcing their move.
Despite their return, the couple are said to have no plans to remain in Britain for the festive period. A friend told the Sunday Times: "For Thanksgiving and Christmas, they will do whatever Doria wants to do. They would love her to come over to the UK and spend it with them here, but they will be wherever she wants to be."
No Sandringham Plans
Meghan and Harry are also not expected to attend the Royal Family's festive celebrations at the Sandringham estate, a tradition that Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have never experienced. Another source told the publication: "They won't be having Christmas with the Royal Family. How could that even work? They know it would be too awkward and too difficult."
The source added: "They also know they're not going to be invited, and they're not waiting for an invitation."
Close Bond with Doria
Meghan is known to have an extremely close bond with her mother, and Harry has spoken highly of his mother-in-law. Doria is also thought to have a close relationship with her grandchildren, having spent considerable time with them when the family lived in the US. She travelled to the UK around the time of Archie's birth in 2019 and was present to help Meghan and Harry after they welcomed their daughter in 2021.
Doria did not join the family on their move back to the UK, as she "has a life she's not ready to leave behind". TMZ previously reported that she has a home near Los Angeles and that "she will see the family... though it's unclear where".
King Charles Informed
King Charles was first made aware of the move just three days before it was made public in August. The King was said to welcome the opportunity to see more of the family, both in a private and personal capacity. It remains unknown if Harry has met the King since their move this summer.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to Nottingham yesterday, with the couple having undertaken three separate engagements during the visit.
