Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tipped to 'miss' Christmas with royals at Sandringham again
The Sussexes have not spent Christmas with the royal family since 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been tipped to miss Christmas festivities at Sandringham with the rest of the royal family this year, despite Harry’s recent attempts to rebuild ties with his father, King Charles.
Harry, 41, met up with his father last month during a visit to the UK. It was the first time they have met in person since early 2024. At the time, Harry flew to Britain after Charles’ cancer diagnosis was announced.
The palace has not officially confirmed the Christmas 2025 guest list. However, one royal expert suggests the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, 44, will once again spend the festive season privately at their Montecito home in California, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tipped to ‘miss’ Christmas at Sandringham
If they don’t attend Sandringham, this would mark the seventh consecutive Christmas they have spent away from the traditional royal gathering.
Harry’s absence is particularly notable. His father King Charles continues his cancer treatment and his sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, remains in remission after her cancer battle.
Speaking to Express, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams delivered a blunt assessment of the couple’s absence: “They are not likely to be missed!”
Considering how erratically and destructively they have behaved since Megxit, they are not likely to be missed.
“This year, as the thoughts of many around the Commonwealth and the wider world turn to the royal family at Christmas, especially given King Charles‘ health struggle and with Catherine in remission, the Sussexes will noticeably be absent yet again,” Mr Fitzwilliams elaborated.
“They will doubtless enjoy Christmas in California. But considering how erratically and destructively they have behaved since Megxit, they are not likely to be missed.”
The estrangement between the couple and the royal family has only deepened since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Their highly publicised criticisms of the monarchy, including the explosive Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021, the six-part Harry & Meghan Netflix series in 2022, and Harry’s tell-all memoir Spare published in 2023, have seemingly driven an ever-deepening wedge between the couple and the royal family.
‘It’s sad but inevitable’
Despite the growing distance, Mr Fitzwilliams believes Prince Harry may still reflect fondly on the Christmases he once spent with his family at Sandringham.
“Harry does write warmly of Christmas memories in his ill-judged memoir, Spare,” he said.
Mr Fitzwilliams also noted that this year could stir more personal reflection due to King Charles’ ongoing cancer treatment and the Princess of Wales’s health challenges.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last joined the royal family for Christmas in 2018. It came months before the birth of their son Archie.
Since then, neither of their children have experienced a royal Christmas, it’s believed.
Mr Fitzwilliams acknowledged this growing distance. He said it’s “sad but inevitable”.
However, it remains unclear who will gather at Sandringham this year.
Still, the absence of Harry and Meghan, will not go unnoticed by royal watchers. For now, it appears the California-based royals will continue to make their own traditions.
Read more: Behind-the-scenes of Meghan Markle’s New York trip including Prince Harry rocking sweats
What do you think? You can let us know with a comment on our Royal Insider Facebook page. We want to hear your thoughts!
