Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Won't Spend Christmas with Queen Elizabeth at Sandringham This Year

Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images
Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images

From Town & Country

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are switching up their Christmas plans, a spokesperson for the royal couple has revealed. After spending the holidays with the royal family in their countryside Sandringham estate these past two years, Meghan, Harry, and baby Archie will hang out with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, instead.

"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 announced break from public duties. "Having spend 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."

The spokesperson continued, "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 "precedent" there refers to other royals' history of spending Christmas away from Sandringham. Prince William and Kate Middleton, for instance, have previously spent the holiday with the Middletons in Bucklebury, as royal reporter Victoria Murphy mentioned on Twitter.

Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, have also been known to leave Sandringham midday on Christmas to visit with Camilla's children and their families.

This news isn't particularly surprising given Harry and Meghan's actions as of late. The royals are struggling with the pressures of being in the spotlight, and the British press's scrutiny—hence their earlier announcement that they'd be taking a break. Recent reports also claim that Harry, Meghan, and Archie plan to spend Thanksgiving in L.A. with Doria during that time. However, it's unclear if they'll spend Christmas in the U.S., or if Doria is planning to join them across the pond.

You Might Also Like