As we mentioned earlier, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be travelling to the UK to spend the holidays with the royal family. They have not yet received an invitation to this year's festive gathering at Sandringham. Instead, they are expected to celebrate in Montecito, California, where they live with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Charles Spencer has sent the family an invitation to Althorp, but it is uncertain whether they will accept. A palace source said that King Charles may have stopped sending invitations because the couple have often refused them over the years.

This does not mean that he still harbors any lingering resentment that they are still his son, daughter-in-law and grandchild. While there has been no invitation to Sandringham yet, it is possible that one will come later. However, it is likely that they will decline any invitation that is extended. Princess Catherine appeared to extend an olive branch to her brother-in-law in her first Christmas message in connection with her Christmas Carol concert. This year, 1,600 guests will attend the annual service on December 6 at Westminster Abbey.

Each guest will receive a personal letter from Catherine, marking a first for her Christmas Carol concerts. The message focuses on themes of forgiveness, empathy and love, which appears to have brought the Duke of Sussex some peace. With the Sussexes facing significant career challenges in 2025 and King Charles undergoing cancer treatment, the state of their relationship remains precarious.

In her message, Catherine expressed that Christmas is not only her favourite time of year, but also a time for joy and reflection. She stressed the importance of kindness, love and forgiveness, capturing the essence of the Christmas spirit. She encouraged people to consider the experiences of others and stressed the need for empathy and connection despite differences. Meanwhile, the Sussexes’ American fortunes have raised questions about their underlying need to mend ties.

Ironically, the palace may also have a stake in the Sussexes’ ability to stay out of royal activities. Their marketing has been significantly reduced, suggesting that maintaining some ties to the family could help them stay relevant. As for Harry and Meghan, they can focus on future projects and media appearances from their home in Montecito.