Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham this year, marking another milestone in their ongoing distance from the British monarchy. A source confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not received an invitation to the highly anticipated holiday gathering. This marks the continuation of their absence from the royal family’s traditional Christmas celebrations since 2018.
The Sussexes’ Absence from Christmas at Sandringham
The last time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent Christmas at Sandringham was in 2018, shortly after their wedding. Since then, the couple has opted to celebrate the holiday privately, first in Canada, and later in the U.S. Their decision to step back as working royals in January 2020 further distanced them from the royal family’s official events, including the cherished Sandringham Christmas.
This year, Harry and Meghan are expected to spend the holidays in the U.S. As per the source, the couple has not been included in the guest list for the royal family’s Christmas gathering, further reinforcing the growing separation between them and the monarchy.
Tensions Between Prince Harry and the Royal Family
The strained relationship between Prince Harry and the royal family has been well-documented. The lack of an invitation to this year’s Christmas celebration follows other notable absences, including the couple’s exclusion from King Charles’ Trooping the Colour in June 2024. The ongoing tensions between Harry and his father, King Charles, as well as his brother, Prince William, continue to affect their relationships with the royal family.
In May 2024, Prince Harry’s visit to the U.K. for the Invictus Games’ tenth-anniversary celebrations was another instance where he did not meet with his father. At the time, a spokesperson for Harry explained that the missed reunion was due to the King’s busy schedule.
King Charles and Prince Harry’s Deteriorating Communication
The communication between King Charles and Prince Harry has been increasingly distant. Despite efforts on Harry’s part to reach out to his father, particularly about his concerns over security, their conversations have become scarce. A close friend of Harry revealed that his calls to King Charles are often met with a message saying, “unavailable right now,” leaving Harry feeling increasingly isolated.
Harry’s desire to have his security reinstated remains a key issue in their relationship. He continues to advocate for the safety of his family, particularly Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet. This ongoing battle over security has played a significant role in their strained relationship.
Meghan and Harry’s Decision to Step Back from Royal Duties
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the decision to step down from their royal duties, a move that shocked the public. The couple relocated to Montecito, California, seeking more privacy and independence. They hoped that by removing themselves from the royal bubble, they could lead a more peaceful life. Security concerns were a major factor in their decision to leave, as the couple sought greater control over their safety, which they felt they couldn’t achieve as working royals.
While their departure was a personal one, it also further distanced them from royal events like the annual Sandringham Christmas celebration. Their absence continues to be a point of contention within the family, as their role within the monarchy remains unclear.
A Look Back: Meghan and Harry’s First Christmas at Sandringham
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s first Christmas at Sandringham in 2017 was a memorable occasion. Newly engaged, the couple made history by attending the royal family’s Christmas gathering before their marriage. Meghan fondly recalled sitting next to Prince Philip at the dinner table, and Harry expressed how wonderful the experience was. It was a significant moment for Meghan, who had always dreamed of being part of a big family.
The couple’s second Christmas at Sandringham in 2018 was just months after their wedding. Meghan was pregnant with their first child, Archie, and they joined the royal family once again for the festive occasion. However, it was also their last Christmas together at Sandringham before they stepped back from royal duties.
Harry and Meghan’s Life After Stepping Back from Royal Duties
Since stepping back from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have focused on their family and personal projects. In addition to their charitable work, they have pursued media ventures, including their high-profile Netflix documentary and Harry’s upcoming memoir. While they continue to carve out their own path in the U.S., their relationship with the royal family remains a topic of public interest.
Despite the tensions, Harry has expressed a desire to rebuild his bond with his father. A close friend of the Duke revealed that nothing would make Harry happier than to reconnect with King Charles, but the road to reconciliation seems challenging. The absence from this year’s Christmas gathering is another indication of the difficult relationship between Harry and the rest of the royal family.
The Future of Harry and Meghan’s Relationship with the Royal Family
It remains unclear whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will ever fully reconcile with the royal family. Their ongoing absence from significant events, like Christmas at Sandringham, highlights the deepening divide between the couple and the monarchy. As they continue to raise their family in California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex seem committed to their new life away from the royal spotlight.
While the future remains uncertain, the bond between father and son, as well as the royal family’s relationship with Harry and Meghan, will undoubtedly continue to evolve. For now, however, their absence from the royal Christmas celebration at Sandringham reinforces the reality of their current situation within the monarchy.