Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Opt for California Christmas Over Royal Family Gathering
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will reportedly spend the holidays in Montecito, California, eschewing a traditional Christmas with King Charles III at Sandringham.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to spend the Christmas holidays with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in California rather than join the Royal Family in the UK, according to a friend.
The couple, who relocated to the United States six years ago after stepping down as working royals, had been living in the UK briefly before their planned return to California. Their decision means they will miss the traditional Royal Family Christmas gathering at King Charles III's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, a custom dating back to 1870.
A friend of the Sussexes told the Daily Mail that the couple intend to "keep their heads down between now and Christmas, when they will go back to California for the holidays." The pair are also understood to be considering spending school breaks in Portugal, where they own property.
Their Montecito mansion in California remains their primary residence, offering proximity to Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, who lives within a two-hour drive. Ragland has been a consistent presence in the family's life since their move to the US in 2020 and has formed a close bond with her grandchildren.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla saw Archie and Lilibet in person for the first time in four years at Highgrove in July. While in Montecito, the family may also visit friends, including cosmetics entrepreneur Victoria Jackson.
The holiday season also coincides with Meghan's launch of a luxury Christmas advent calendar for her brand, As Ever. The $148 (£112) calendar, inspired by their Montecito home and created in collaboration with a Los Angeles chocolatier, is available for US customers only.
Meanwhile, reports suggesting the Sussexes were planning to apologize to the Royal Family for past criticisms, including allegations made during their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, have been denied. A source told the Daily Mail that claims of a planned sit-down chat with Prince William and Kate were false.