Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won't join Royal Family for Christmas

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly not join the Royal Family at Sandringham for Christmas this year, as they are said to have not received an invitation to the traditional royal festivities. Instead, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to celebrate the holidays in the United States with their children, Archie, and Lilibet.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won't join the rest of the Royal Family for Christmas this year as the Sussexes have reportedly not been invited. They are pictured on Christmas in 2017

The couple has not spent Christmas with the Royal Family in the UK since 2018, marking six consecutive years of celebrating the holidays apart. After stepping back as senior royals in 2020, they established their home in California, where they have focused on creating their own family traditions.

Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, haven't spent Christmas with the Royal Family in the UK for six years. They are pictured on Christmas Day in 2018 at the Church of St Mary Magdalene

While their absence will likely draw attention, it underscores the evolving dynamics between the Sussexes and the Royal Family, as Harry and Meghan continue to prioritize their independent life and personal endeavors in America.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's absence from Royal Family events this year, including Trooping the Colour in June for King Charles' birthday, reflects the continuing separation between the Sussexes and the rest of the family. This holiday season, Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will join King Charles and Queen Camilla at Sandringham for Christmas, continuing a cherished royal tradition.

The Wales's at the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church on December 25, 2023

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are expected to remain in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Meghan has previously shared details about their festive celebrations, emphasizing their commitment to creating meaningful traditions. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Sussexes have focused on fostering the "magic" of Christmas for their children, including playful touches like leaving carrots out for Santa's reindeer.

The contrast between the royals' Sandringham Christmas and the Sussexes' more informal festivities in California underscores their divergent paths since Harry and Meghan's departure from the monarchy.

Meghan Markle has spoken about the importance of creating inclusive holiday traditions, emphasizing the value of "making room at your table for friends who don't have family." Feminist icon Gloria Steinem, for example, joined the Sussexes for Thanksgiving in the past. Meghan and Harry also prioritize ensuring their children, Archie and Lilibet, experience the joy of the festive season, including playful activities like leaving out "carrots for the reindeer" on Christmas Eve.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not celebrated Christmas with the Royal Family at Sandringham since 2018. In 2019, they spent the holidays in Canada before announcing their decision to step back as senior royals just weeks later. Since then, they have celebrated Christmas privately, focusing on their own traditions at their California home.

This year, the Sussexes are again expected to spend the holidays in the U.S., continuing their commitment to building a meaningful and independent life for their family. Their absence from Sandringham highlights the enduring shift in their relationship with the Royal Family.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle joined the Royal Family for Christmas Day services at Sandringham in 2018 and 2019 before stepping back from royal duties and moving to the United States in 2020. Since then, they have celebrated the holidays privately, sharing glimpses of their festive life through holiday cards, including the 2021 card that featured their children, Archie and Lilibet, with Harry holding Archie and Meghan cradling a smiling Lilibet.

This year, the Royal Family will continue the tradition at Sandringham, with Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children attending the annual Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church. The gathering carries added significance as the family unites during a challenging time, following King Charles' and Princess Kate's recent cancer diagnoses. King Charles, 76, is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer, while Kate has completed preventative chemotherapy and is gradually resuming public duties.

The Princess of Wales chats with well-wishers after attending the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service last year

Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte at the Christmas Day church service, Sandringham, 2022

The Sussexes' absence from these royal traditions underscores the enduring distance between them and the rest of the family, as they focus on their life in California and creating their own holiday traditions with their children. Meanwhile, the Royal Family's Sandringham gathering will reflect resilience and togetherness amid a year marked by personal trials.

This Christmas season will hold special meaning for the Royal Family as they gather at Sandringham under the leadership of King Charles III, who is reportedly "delighted" to have his family together for the holidays. Sources indicate the King is fully embracing the festive season, actively overseeing the planning and lifting spirits at the Norfolk estate. Observers have noted how happy and healthy he appears, despite continuing cancer treatment.

Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Prince William, Prince Philip, Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on December 25, 2017

Earlier this year, King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer while receiving treatment for an enlarged prostate. Despite this, he has been enjoying time outdoors at Sandringham, demonstrating resilience as he balances health challenges with his royal duties.

King Charles, Camilla, and Prince George on Christmas Day in 2022

The family's unity this Christmas comes during a difficult year, with Prince William describing 2024 as the "hardest year of my life" due to the health struggles faced by both his father and wife. Princess Kate, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, has recently completed a preventative course of chemotherapy and is gradually resuming public engagements.

Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Kate at the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church in 2022

The Sandringham gathering will be a moment of reflection and togetherness for the Royal Family, underscoring their support for one another in the face of personal trials. While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the festivities, the celebration at Sandringham is expected to bring comfort and joy to the senior royals during this challenging year.

Princess Kate's gradual return to public life following her battle with an undisclosed form of cancer marks a significant moment for the Royal Family. Diagnosed earlier this year, Kate underwent an abdominal operation in January at the London Clinic in Marylebone and completed a preventative course of chemotherapy. While her recovery is ongoing, she has taken deliberate steps to resume her royal duties, balancing her health needs with her role as a senior royal.

Next month, the Princess of Wales is set to undertake her most notable public engagement since beginning treatment. She will accompany Prince William to welcome the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher, during their state visit to the UK on December 3. Kate will join the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade and participate in a palace lunch with the King and Queen. However, it has been confirmed that she will not attend the evening's state banquet, underscoring her cautious approach to her royal schedule.

Over the past year, Kate has appeared at a few high-profile events, including Trooping the Colour, Remembrance events, and Wimbledon, while stepping back from her usual public commitments to focus on her recovery. Royal sources have described her planned participation in the Qatar state visit as "good news," reflecting her determination to resume her duties.

This gradual re-emergence comes at a challenging time for the Royal Family, with King Charles also undergoing cancer treatment. Kate's resilience and commitment to her role offer a hopeful note as the family prepares to gather at Sandringham for Christmas, cherishing time together during a year marked by personal trials and transitions.