This Christmas, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will trade royal pomp and circumstance for a cozy California celebration at their sprawling Montecito mansion. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to enjoy a quieter holiday season stateside, marking another year of estrangement from the British royal family.
Sources confirm that Harry and Meghan did not receive an invitation to the royal family’s annual Christmas gathering at Sandringham House, continuing their noticeable absence from royal traditions since stepping away from official duties in 2020. Instead, the couple plans to make the holiday “extra special” at home, joined by Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
“Meghan’s mom Doria will join them at home in Montecito, and they’ll ensure the children have a joyful day, despite not being around extended family,” an insider shared with *Closer*. For Harry and Meghan, the exclusion from Sandringham seems to have been anticipated. “They didn’t expect an invite,” the source added.
The Sussexes’ decision to remain in California comes amid lingering tensions with the royal family and unresolved security concerns. Stripped of their taxpayer-funded protection after stepping down from their roles, the couple has repeatedly cited safety as a primary reason for avoiding trips to the UK. Even a heartfelt invitation to spend Christmas at Althorp House, the Spencer family estate and childhood home of Princess Diana, was declined.
“Both Harry and Meghan agree that they shouldn’t return to the UK until the security arrangements are resolved,” the source noted. “Until then, they will only travel to the UK for special occasions or pre-planned visits.”
The ongoing rift with the monarchy became more apparent last year when King Charles issued an eviction notice for Frogmore Cottage, Harry and Meghan’s former UK residence. Without a secure place to stay, the Sussexes’ ties to Harry’s homeland continue to fray. Meghan, notably, has not set foot in London since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
While Harry and Meghan settle in for a California Christmas, the royal family will uphold their holiday traditions across the pond. The King and Queen will host their annual festive gathering at Sandringham, where the Princess of Wales is organizing a special Christmas carol concert. For the royals, it’s a continuation of cherished rituals steeped in history, even as the absence of the Sussexes casts a shadow over the season.
Critics of Harry and Meghan see their choices as a rejection of the traditions and responsibilities that once defined their royal lives. Supporters, however, argue that the couple is forging a new path, prioritizing their safety and the well-being of their children over royal expectations.
Still, as the Sussexes celebrate Christmas in the warmth of California, far from the frosty halls of Sandringham, one thing remains clear: the divide between Harry’s new life and his old one shows no sign of narrowing.
