Prince Harry could face various calendar clashes with the Royal Family, ranging from as early as within weeks to next year. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to the UK last month, with sources making it known the couple could be in Britain for an “extended stay”.
Harry and Meghan stayed in California for six years after their bombshell announcement that they would step back from their royal duties and lead financially independent lives. It is not known why the Sussexes have returned.
Here, the Daily Express has pinpointed seven possible occasions when the Royal Family and the Sussexes could clash.
Remembrance
The outlet’s Chief Royal Correspondent, Jack Royston, said Remembrance could be the first “tricky” moment in the royal calendar. Each year, in November, the royals carry out various engagements to mark Remembrance, with a number of events taking place at Westminster Abbey and Royal Albert Hall in London before Remembrance Sunday, and at the Cenotaph. The working royals traditionally attend these events. Harry is no longer a working royal; however, he is a well-respected war veteran, having served twice in Afghanistan.
Princess Kate’s Christmas Carol
The annual festive carol concert, organised by Princess Catherine, with support from the Royal Foundation, is a key fixture in the royal calendar. Catherine has invited several members of the Royal Family in the past, but not everyone attends. The King himself has been absent from several carol concerts. It is unknown whether the Princess of Wales would invite Harry, as their relationship has turned icy. Any potential meeting between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex would also likely be awkward.
The pre-Christmas lunch
The Royal Family gather every December for the annual pre-Christmas lunch. It is a private gathering of the Royal Family, traditionally hosted by the monarch, with invitations extended to the wider Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth started the tradition, and King Charles and Queen Camilla have carried it on. The last time Harry attended the pre-Christmas lunch was in 2017.
Christmas Day
One of the most highly anticipated events in the royal calendar is undoubtedly Christmas Day. The royals gather at Sandringham, where they go to church on Christmas morning, take the traditional short walk, and greet well-wishers. Harry’s attendance would surely make the air awkward, as his brother, Prince William, will also be present, if he were invited. The last time the Sussexes joined the royals on Christmas Day was in 2018.
