Prince Harry's 'heartache' over royal Christmas as he and Meghan Markle spend holidays in US
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be spending the holidays in California
As the royal family gathers at Sandringham for another traditional Christmas, Prince Harry is once again thousands of miles away.
The Duke of Sussex will be spending the festive season in sunny California with wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
This marks the seventh Christmas that Harry, 41, has missed with the royals since stepping back from his official duties in 2020.
Prince Harry might feel ‘sadness’ over missing Christmas at Sandringham
Speaking to The Mirror, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggested Harry is likely grappling with complex emotions this time of year.
“He’s on record as saying he misses elements of his UK life, including the banter, pub culture, friends, and family gatherings,” Bond said.
“And he says he still has a deep love for Britain. So the images of his family making that familiar walk to Sandringham Church might, indeed, pull at his heartstrings.
“But maybe not for long. When he’s enjoying Christmas in the warm Californian sunshine, with his wife, children, and mother-in-law, the attraction of an often grey, damp Norfolk might fade a little.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to spend the holidays in Montecito with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
Meghan, 44, leaned fully into festive mode this year, launching her With Love: Holiday Special on Netflix.
The images of his family making that familiar walk to Sandringham Church might, indeed, pull at his heartstrings.
In it, she shared her favourite seasonal touches, from handwritten notes in Archie and Lilibet’s advent calendar to ornaments that tell the story of their family.
She reflected on how a Christmas tree can “encapsulate your family story” and showcase the “passage of time”. These sentiments offer a quiet contrast to the fractured ties on Harry’s side of the family.
‘There might be a moment of nostalgia’
While the Sussexes stay stateside, Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children are expected to celebrate with King Charles at the royal estate.
Bond believes the monarch likely feels “a sadness” over not having both of his sons and their families with him during such a meaningful time of year.
She noted that while Meghan often speaks about love and family, William and Harry remain as distant as ever.
But although Harry may experience a moment of reflection, Bond doesn’t think he’s yearning for a royal reunion.
His life in California is likely far more appealing than the formalities of a Windsor Christmas.
“There might be a moment of nostalgia,” she admitted. “But I think Harry will happily throw himself into an American-style family day.”
Meanwhile, a new photo of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children Archie and Lilibet has been released recently.
Shared on Meghan’s Instagram, the family is seen standing on a bridge.
Archie hugs Harry’s waist as Meghan crouches beside Lilibet, who holds her mother’s hands. The caption reads: “Happy Holidays! From our family to yours.”
The festive image follows their official holiday video on the Archewell website. The two-minute montage included clips of Archie and Lilibet helping their parents at a food shelter in November.
Read more: Prince Harry ‘suffers hand injury’ during polo match in Aspen
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