The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly decided to remain in the UK for Christmas, marking their first British festive season in eight years. However, they will not join King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham.
Instead, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to hold their own private celebrations with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, according to HELLO! Magazine. The decision follows their unexpected move from their Montecito estate back to British soil in August.
Private Celebrations at Cotswolds Base
Initially, reports suggested the couple might return to California for the holidays, but the latest report indicates they are now settling in for a traditional British winter. They are expected to spend a quiet Christmas at their new Cotswolds base with Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, who recently started at British schools.
Despite being relatively close to the King's country estate, Harry and Meghan are not expected to join the monarch, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales for the traditional Christmas Day church service and family lunch. The absence from Sandringham could be seen as a reminder of the ongoing rift between the two camps.
History of Royal Christmases
The last time Meghan spent Christmas with the royals was in 2018, after she had broken royal precedent the previous year when she was invited by the late Queen Elizabeth II as Harry's fiancée. Since stepping back as senior working royals in 2020, the Sussexes have spent their holidays in the US and Canada.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was contacted for comment.
