Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Christmas Day celebrations revealed with Archie and Lilibet
Harry and Meghan haven't spent Christmas with the royal family since 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent Christmas in Montecito with a private celebration alongside their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Duchess of Sussex offered a rare glimpse into her family’s holiday celebrations in a message sent out through her lifestyle brand, As Ever, on the morning of December 25.
In the email, Meghan shared a snapshot of Christmas Eve in the Sussex household.
Meghan Markle opens up about Christmas with Archie and Lilibet
“Last night, I was nibbling the remnants of our Christmas Eve feast (dim sum this year), wrapping a few last-minute gifts, and tiptoeing down the stairs with my husband to make sure ‘Santa’ had enjoyed his cookies and ‘the reindeer’ had eaten their carrots,” Meghan wrote, as reported by PEOPLE.
“Anything to maintain the morning magic of Christmas through our children’s eyes.”
For Christmas Day itself, the plan was simple and rooted in family connection.
“I plan to spend today cuddled up with my family. Maybe pyjamas all day, some Scrabble or Sequence (or Candyland for the kids), music playing, candles flickering, dogs snoring, endless grazing,” she continued. “The laughter, the sidebars, the deep breaths (you know the ones), the fun, and the memories.”
The message ended with a note to her readers.
Anything to maintain the morning magic of Christmas through our children’s eyes.
Meghan said: “Whether you’re cosied up in your pyjamas like we are, or dressed to the nines, whether you’re with a huge gathering, with your partner, your kids, or on your own… I’m wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the blessings that come with it. From my family to yours – Happy Holidays!”
This glimpse into the Sussexes’ California Christmas comes just weeks after Meghan shared holiday traditions in her Netflix special. With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration premiered on December 3.
In the hour-long episode, the duchess showcased homemade crafts she prepared for her family, including Advent calendars and personalised Christmas crackers.
Each cracker was tailored with love: a handwritten note, a small treat, and a token gift. For Prince Harry, it was a sweet letter and chocolate. For Archie, a hamburger-themed surprise. Meanwhile, Lilibet got a lavender rollerball.
Royal family’s Christmas
While Meghan, Harry, and their children embraced a quiet Christmas in Montecito, the rest of the royal family carried on with their usual holiday routine at Sandringham.
As in years past, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted extended family members on Christmas Eve. The family then walked to St. Mary Magdalene Church for the annual public service on Christmas Day.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex last spent Christmas with the royal family in 2018.
The following year, they celebrated the holidays in Canada before stepping back from their senior royal roles in January 2020 and eventually relocating to California.
Despite the distance between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family, Meghan has previously spoken warmly about her first Christmas as part of “The Firm”.
“I remember so vividly the first Christmas at Sandringham,” she said in the couple’s 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan. “Calling my mom, and she’s like, ‘How’s it going?’ And I said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s amazing.'”
“It’s just like a big family, like I always wanted,” Meghan gushed. “There was just this constant movement and energy and fun.”
Read more: Statement issued on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell website over social media ban
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