The decision comes after years of strained relations and ongoing arguments within the Royal Family. Reports suggest that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not yet received an invitation to the royal Christmas gathering at Sandringham House. While there has been speculation about a potential visit to Princess Diana's childhood home of Althorp, the possibility has been ruled out. Last year, King Charles specifically excluded the Sussexes from his Christmas message to the nation, a decision that further highlighted the rift within the family. This year's exclusion further highlights the ongoing estrangement.
Insiders believe the Sussexes are instead preparing for a private Christmas celebration in Montecito, California, with Meghan Markle stressing the importance of family togetherness during the festive season. They plan to spend Christmas with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. A palace insider revealed that the Sandringham event, which will take place in the house's Ballroom, will see around 100 guests enjoying a lavish buffet. The Christmas gathering at Sandringham will be attended by a large number of royals.
Confirmed guests include Prince William, Princess Catherine and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Queen Camilla will also be hosting a large number of her own guests, including her son Tom Parker Bowles, his children Lola and Freddy, daughter Laura Lopes and her children Eliza, Gus and Louis. Princess Anne, along with her son Peter Phillips and daughters Zara Tindall and their respective families, are also expected to attend. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and their children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, will also be in attendance.
Pregnant Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, along with their three-year-old daughter Sienna and Beatrice's eight-year-old stepson Wolfie, are also on the guest list. Perhaps the most controversial addition is Prince Andrew, who is said to have been invited along with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their daughter Princess Eugenie, who will be attending with her husband Jack Brooksbank and their children. Despite rumours that she might be coming to the UK, Vanity Fair magazine has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be attending the festivities.
A major obstacle to the Sussexes attending the Christmas gathering is Prince Harry's ongoing legal battle over police protection during his visits to the UK. A Home Office ruling denying the royals automatic right to police protection has hampered any potential reconciliation with the royal family. Sources close to the royal family have suggested the prospect of Harry and Meghan attending Christmas is highly unlikely due to the ongoing animosity. A source close to Prince William and Duchess Catherine stressed that they would not want to be in the same room as Harry and Meghan, let alone spend Christmas with them.
The Sussexes' absence from recent Remembrance Day events in the UK While the royal family gathered at Sandringham, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex focused on creating a special Christmas experience for their family at Montecito. The private celebration will be attended by Meghan's mother, Doria. The significance of the holiday was heightened by the Sussexes' suggestion that it could be their last Christmas at Montecito. The couple's decision to remain in California underscores the ongoing rift within the Royal Family and the complexities surrounding their relationship with the British monarchy. The Sussexes' California Christmas stands in stark contrast to the traditional royal celebrations at Sandringham, underscoring the separate paths the family members are now taking.
