Ah, the holiday season—a time for joy, togetherness, and of course, the never-ending soap opera that is Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. As we gear up for the 2024 Christmas edition of *Will They or Won't They*, it seems the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are embroiled in yet another family debacle. According to *The Express*, Charles Spencer—yes, the same Charles Spencer who appears to be one of the few in the royal family who can handle a bit of family drama—has allegedly extended an invitation for Christmas at Althorp. But here's the kicker: Meghan's aversion to crossing the pond is putting a damper on the whole plan.
A source claims that while Harry is all for spending quality time with family at Althorp, Meghan is far more concerned about safety, particularly with those pesky paparazzi lurking around. Apparently, this little snag could be the catalyst for a significant turning point in their six-year marriage. “Harry wants to reconnect with his roots this Christmas,” the source said, but alas, Meghan has always been hesitant about traveling to the UK, especially given the challenges she faces there.
Should Meghan decide to grace Althorp with her presence—though that’s looking about as likely as snow in July—it would mark her first proper visit to the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. But let’s not forget that Harry and Meghan still haven’t received a golden ticket to join the royal family at their annual Sandringham gathering. Frankly, it’s hard to believe they’d even want one at this point, given how last year’s Christmas get-together went down. They seem to be shouting from California, "We’d rather not be part of that charade!"
While Harry and Meghan continue to be snubbed by his royal relatives, it appears the Spencers are extending their metaphorical arms to welcome Harry back into the fold. After all, Harry did recently drop by Althorp, staying with his uncle, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl of Spencer. But wait—it gets juicier. Harry is reportedly extending his solo trip abroad without Meghan. Apparently, he was supposed to return to California to reunite with his wife and kids, but instead, he's opting for a bit of private time in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
What could possibly be happening that’s so secretive it can't make it onto his official calendar? Sounds suspiciously like someone’s trying to avoid family drama back home while spinning tales of mystery. The classic "Will They or Won't They Separate" narrative resurfaces, with the couple’s continual solo travels and minimal time together hinting at a relationship on the rocks. Maybe they’re angling for a "half-in, half-out" marriage, where they spend as little time together as possible until the kids are old enough for boarding school. Honestly, at this point, they might as well turn it into a reality show.
But back to Charles Spencer—the supposed "host with the most." Given that Uncle Charles doesn’t seem to be particularly close to his own children, why on Earth would he want Harry and Meghan around? Rumor has it Althorp isn’t exactly the happiest of holiday locals. It has all the charm of a family reunion where everyone has unresolved issues.
And then there’s the matter of Meghan’s apparent desire for a photo shoot at Althorp, where she could pose like the royal she’s always wanted to be. Because nothing says Christmas spirit like a backdrop steeped in generational pain and self-pity.
