For the seventh consecutive year, Prince Harry will be absent from the traditional royal family Christmas celebrations at Sandringham, marking another festive season defined by the ongoing rift within the House of Windsor.
A Festive Season of Mixed Emotions
According to royal commentator and former BBC correspondent Jennie Bond, the Duke of Sussex is likely to experience conflicted feelings this holiday. While determined to create magical memories for his children, Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, he may feel a pang of nostalgia for the UK traditions he left behind.
"He’s on record as saying he misses elements of his UK life, including the banter, pub culture, friends, and family gatherings," Bond noted. Images of his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, undertaking the familiar walk to the St Mary Magdalene Church service on Christmas morning might, she suggests, "pull at his heartstrings."
California Sunshine vs. Norfolk Formality
Any wistfulness, however, is expected to be short-lived. The Sussexes are set to spend the period at their Montecito home, where they will be joined by Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. Bond believes the attraction of a "relaxed, chilled out California celebration" will easily outweigh the prospect of a "grey, damp" and formal royal Christmas in Norfolk.
"I think Harry will happily throw himself into an American style family day with his little ones," the expert concluded. This sentiment is echoed by Meghan's own recent festive activities, which have been firmly centred on creating intimate family moments in their US home.
New Traditions and Family Fractures
The Duchess of Sussex recently showcased her holiday ethos in a Netflix special, With Love Holiday Special. She shared personal touches like handwriting notes for her children's homemade advent calendar and decorating the tree with ornaments that tell their "family story."
This focus on familial warmth serves as a stark contrast to the continued estrangement between Harry and his UK relatives. Prince William is expected to be at Sandringham with the Princess of Wales and their children, leaving the King to face another year without his younger son and his family present.
"I imagine that for King Charles there will always be a sadness that both his boys and their children aren’t with him at this special time of year," Jennie Bond observed.
In a separate family matter, it was confirmed last week that a letter from Meghan has been delivered to her father, Thomas Markle Sr., who is recovering in a Philippines hospital following an emergency limb amputation operation.
