Here's Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Aren't at Christmas with the Royals at Sandringham
This morning, the royal family is attending Christmas Day services at Sandringham Estate's St. Mary Magdalene, as they've done every year for some time. It's become something of an event for royal watchers, who enjoy seeing so many royals out to celebrate the holiday. But this time, there were two notable absences: neither Prince Harry nor Meghan Markle joined the other Windsors.
For the most avid fans, though, this didn't come as a surprise. Meghan and Harry's spokesperson revealed several weeks ago that they were planning to spend Christmas with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.
"The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month," the spokesperson said, referencing the couple's previously reported break from public duties. "Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, their Royal Highnesses will spend the holidays this year, as a new family, with the Duchess' mother Doria Ragland."
It's not at all required that the royals spend Christmas at Sandringham every year. Prince William and Kate Middleton, for instance, have been known to celebrate the holiday with Kate's parents in Bucklebury.
Harry and Meghan's spokesperson underscored this, lest anyone worry that they were breaking with tradition. "This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the royal family, and has the support of Her Majesty the Queen," the spokesperson said.
While Harry's branch of the family might miss them today, Doria Ragland is likely excited to be spending the holiday with her daughter and son-in-law—and her little grandchild, baby Archie.
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