Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex are Spending 'Private Time' in Canda for Christmas
Both Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, have been known to go against royal customs and protocols time and time again, often creating controversy for the royal family, and it seems like they are doing it again.
Recently, the couple announced that they would be spending their Christmas in Canada, away from the royal family. A spokesperson for the family shared with Entertainment Tonight, "As has been reported, their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are spending private family time in Canada."
The source explained that the decision was based on Canda being a commonwealth country, or one that was formerly a part of the British Empire. "The decision to base themselves in Canada reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both."
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Ties to Canada
While the trip to Canada for Christmas sounds peculiar, both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have ties to the country. For Prince Harry, he has been visiting the country for years. The Duchess lived there for seven years while filming the show, Suits, which she starred in.
The spokesperson for the family shared, "[Harry] has been a frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to the duchess for seven years before she became a member of the royal family."
The spokesperson continued stating, "They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son."
Aging Grandparents and Limited Time
Despite both having ties to Canada, it's being reported that some members of the royal family are not happy with the couple's decision to spend time away from them during the holidays, especially with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip quickly progressing through their 90s.
A source speaking with Entertainment Tonight shared, "Some members of the family think the couple should have considered queen and Prince Philip's advancing age." They continued, "After all, at 93 and it being Archie's first Christmas, neither Her Majesty the Queen nor Prince Philip will be around forever."
Declining Health
Health is, in fact, becoming an issue for the queen and her husband. Prince Phillip, who is 98 years old, was taken to the hospital on Friday for precautionary reasons for a preexisting condition. He is expected to be there for several days for observation.
A source speaking to The Telegraph revealed, "The Duke of Edinburgh traveled from Norfolk this morning to the King Edward VII Hospital in London for observation and treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition," the full statement reads. "The admission is a precautionary measure, on the advice of His Royal Highness’ Doctor."
Just several years ago, Queen Elizabeth II, herself, was checked into the hospital for a severe bought of gastroenteritis.
Freewheeling through Royal Traditions
Although the health of Prince Harry's grandparents is declining, both the Prince and Meghan Markle are deadset on doing things their own way, even if that means spending time away from the royal family during Christmas.
While some see this lifestyle as what a contemporary royal couple should represent, others have more negative opinions about the freewheeling and rogue behavior. Regardless, it's undoubtedly important for the couple that their son, Archie, has some quality time with his great grandparents before they pass.
