Sir Rod Stewart 'disappointed' Duke and Duchess of Sussex aren't spending Christmas with the Queen

Sir Rod Stewart has said he is “disappointed” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have chosen not to spend Christmas with the Queen this year.

Last month it was revealed the couple were considering spending their first Christmas with baby Archie in America with Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland.

Every year, the royal family gathers at Sandringham, the Queen’s Norfolk estate, for the festive period.

But this year the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and baby Archie have made other plans.

“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, their royal highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the duchess’ mother Doria Ragland,” a spokesperson for the couple told Sky News.

And while it is totally understandable Meghan wants to spend time with her mother this Christmas, not everyone believes it is the right decision.

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In an interview with The Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine, legendary singer, Sir Rod Stewart admitted he’s a big fan of the royal family.

“I'm a monarchist,” he told interviewer Richard Barber. “I think the Queen is wonderful. And I know Charles quite well. He's great fun.”

But the 73-year-old is a little “disappointed” that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex won’t be joining the Queen for the festive celebrations this year.

“I was a bit disappointed that Harry and Meghan have decided not to spend Christmas with the Queen this year,” he said.

“If I was Harry, I'd think there was plenty of time in the future to have Christmases on my own or with Meghan's mum. 

“The Queen's 93. I flew around the world to be with my mum and dad at Christmas because I knew they didn't have many left,” he added.

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Sir Rod Stewart isn’t the only one to voice their views on the royal couple opting to spend Christmas in California with six-month-old Archie.

‘Good Morning Britain’ presenter Piers Morgan, 54, previously claimed the couple could be skipping Christmas with the Queen to escape the British press.

He said: “It is a clear snub to the Queen.”

Harry and Meghan are having a six-week break from royal duties to spend some “much-needed” family time together.

Last month Buckingham Palace released guidance about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Christmas plans which explained the couple are looking forward to extended family time.

“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess' mother Doria Ragland,” the guidance explained.

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.

Sir Rod Stewart recently revealed he has had the all-clear for prostate cancer after battling the illness in secret for around two years.