Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly decided to spend Christmas in the USA. The couple left their royal roles in 2020 and now live back in the UK, making the choice of where to spend the festive season a difficult one.
For their two young children, who have experienced a major change with a new country and a new school, some familiarity at Christmas will likely help. Rumours had been circulating about what the big day could look like for the couple and their children, especially if they were to spend it in the UK.
A divided decision
The couple were reportedly divided on the decision, with some suggesting Meghan may be feeling homesick. Meghan reportedly contacts her mum, Doria, every day. For Prince Harry, after six years of living in the States, reports suggest the duke might have wanted to spend the festive season in Britain.
For the wider Royal Family, the decision for Harry and Meghan to fly home for Christmas could make things easier. If the pair were to have Christmas in the UK, questions would arise over whether they would be invited to Sandringham, or meet with King Charles and Camilla, or Princess Catherine and Prince William, so their children could spend time with their cousins. No one knows, and now we won’t find out.
Relief for senior royals
For senior royals - Charles, Camilla, William, Catherine - they don’t have to face the moral dilemma of whether to invite the Sussexes or not. If they did invite them, they face questions about Harry’s role in the monarchy and the family. If they chose not to, it might have looked a little Grinch-like to give the Sussexes and little Archie and Lilibet the cold-shoulder.
It is not yet known whether the Sussexes will be seeing any of the Royal Family over the festive season before they head to California. While it is sad that they won’t be joining Christmas day, hopefully there’s a sweet spot to be had where they’ll reunite with some family for some celebrations before they go.
