Meghan and Harry to Spend Christmas in California, Friend Claims
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly opting to return to their Montecito home for the holidays instead of joining the Royal Family in the UK.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to spend the upcoming Christmas holidays with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, at their home in California, according to a friend of the couple. This decision means they will not be joining King Charles III at the traditional Royal Family gathering at Sandringham.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who relocated to the U.S. six years ago after stepping down as senior royals, made a surprise visit to the UK in late August. Christmas offered a potential opportunity to mend relationships with Harry's father and brother, Prince William.
The monarch traditionally hosts the Royal Family at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk during December, a long-standing tradition. However, a source told the Daily Mail that the Sussexes intend to "keep their heads down between now and Christmas, when they will go back to California for the holidays."
It is understood that Harry and Meghan may also utilize their property in Portugal for school holidays and half-term breaks. Their Montecito mansion remains an option for the festive season, allowing them to be near Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, who lives less than a two-hour drive away. Ragland, 69, has been a consistent figure in the family's life since the Sussexes moved to America in 2020. Her proximity to their California home would allow her to spend time with her grandchildren, with whom she shares a close bond.
King Charles and Queen Camilla met Archie and Lilibet in person for the first time in four years at Highgrove in July. While in Montecito, the family might also see friends such as cosmetics entrepreneur Victoria Jackson, who resides in the same celebrity enclave.
Meghan recently launched a limited-edition luxury advent calendar through her brand As Ever, inspired by their Montecito home. The $148 (£112) product, created in collaboration with Los Angeles chocolatier Compartes, is intended for U.S. customers and is not available for delivery to the UK.
Separately, a source has dismissed reports suggesting the Sussexes plan to apologize to the Royal Family for past criticisms. The Duchess of Sussex had alleged during a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey that an unnamed royal had questioned the skin tone of their unborn son, Archie. This claim led to accusations of racism against the monarchy. While some reports suggested the couple intended to apologize and seek a meeting with Prince William and Kate, other sources have denied these claims to the Daily Mail.