Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to spend Christmas in California, marking their first Christmas since their return to the UK. The couple intends to celebrate the holidays with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who resides in Los Angeles. This choice of location means the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will forgo the traditional family gathering at Sandringham with the royal family.
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Sources confirm that Harry and Meghan’s plans include not only Christmas but also Thanksgiving with Ragland. The specifics of both holiday celebrations largely hinge on Doria’s preferences. The move underscores the ongoing distance between the Sussexes and the royal family, particularly following their relocation back to the UK in August.
Their last Christmas spent with royal family members was in 2018, a festive occasion that included Queen Elizabeth. At the time, Meghan was pregnant with their eldest son, Archie. Since then, the couple has opted out of the royal Christmas tradition, choosing instead to create their own family celebrations.
Despite settling into their new life in the UK, relations between the Sussexes and Harry’s family remain strained. Harry and Meghan shared tea with King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a visit in July, but further interactions appear to be sparse. While Harry maintains communication with his father over the phone, tensions with his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, continue to be pronounced.
Royal historian Amanda Foreman vividly described the current state of affairs between the brothers as having shifted from “a hot war to a very, very cold war.” This description suggests that while there may be less overt conflict, substantial issues remain unaddressed.
Reports indicate Harry has expressed a desire to mend relations with William, yet sources close to the Prince believe that the wounds are deep and healing will take time. An insider noted that it has been challenging for William, contributing to his cautious approach towards Harry.
In a related development, the Sussexes are preparing for their first joint official engagements in the UK since their relocation. Scheduled for October 15 in Nottingham, the couple will reconnect with various causes that are meaningful to them. These engagements will include visits to a food bank and the Community Recording Studio, both of which support local youth and communities.
The couple’s presence at these events underscores their commitment to philanthropy, with Meghan particularly known for her prior collaboration with women at the Hubb Community Kitchen, which resulted in a charity cookbook.
Nottingham holds sentimental value for Harry and Meghan, as it was a location they visited shortly after announcing their engagement in 2017. Following a period primarily focused on their children’s adjustment to the UK, the couple is gradually becoming more active in the public eye.
Recently, Meghan enjoyed an outing with her friend, Malala Yousafzai, for afternoon tea at Claridge’s. This meeting came just days ahead of International Day of the Girl, during which Meghan pledged to donate a portion of her lifestyle brand’s sales to the Malala Fund.
Meanwhile, Harry was spotted at a rugby match, where he faced mixed reactions from the crowd. Despite the challenges of public life, the Sussexes appear committed to their roles as parents while also engaging in philanthropic efforts that reflect their values and experiences.
As the holidays approach, it remains to be seen how the Sussexes will navigate their place within the complex dynamics of the royal family, especially amidst ongoing public scrutiny and speculation about their future interactions with relatives.