When the Royals gather this Christmas, there will be some notable absences, alongside some fresh faces around the Sandringham dinner table. Reports indicate that King Charles is planning a grand celebration this year, likely in response to the tough challenges he and his family have faced, particularly the health battles involving his daughter-in-law, Princess Catherine, and his own health struggles.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have received an invitation to spend Christmas with the family of the late Princess Diana at her childhood home in Althorp, but they have not been invited by King Charles. This raises the question: will the Sussexes spend the holiday in the UK, or will they remain in their home in Montecito, California? Only time will tell.
Last year, King Charles notably chose not to mention Harry and Meghan in his Christmas speech to the nation, a snub that marked the second consecutive year he had ignored them. Despite this, the King is reportedly planning a large Christmas gathering at Sandringham, with many other guests expected to attend, although it appears that Harry, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are not on the guest list.
Sources suggest that the couple, facing challenges, including potential deportation and ongoing media scrutiny, is making plans to ensure that this holiday season is special for them. Meghan believes it’s essential for the family to remain together at their Montecito home, especially after the pressures they've faced. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, will join them, and they plan to make the most of their time together, even without extended family.
This year’s royal Christmas event is set to take place in Sandringham House’s ballroom, with around 100 guests expected to enjoy a lavish buffet, including a roast with all the traditional trimmings. The event is anticipated to be a huge success, following the success of last year’s similar gathering. Although Harry and Meghan will be absent, other royal family members are expected to attend, including Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Queen Camilla is reportedly inviting a number of her own guests, including her son Tom Parker Bowles and his family, as well as her daughter Laura Lopes and her children.
Princess Anne and her children, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, and their families, will also be present, along with the Duke and Duchess of Uboro and their children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn. Pregnant Princess Beatrice, along with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their daughter Sienna, are also expected to attend, alongside Beatrice’s 8-year-old stepson, Wolfie.
In a more controversial twist, disgraced Prince Andrew is said to have received an invitation, and he is expected to attend with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their daughter Princess Eugenie, who will also be bringing her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and their two children.
Despite earlier rumors, Prince Harry and Meghan will not be traveling to the UK for Christmas. The couple, who missed Remembrance events in the UK last week, will instead be in California. There are still significant hurdles for them to return, particularly a ruling by the Home Office stating that Harry is not entitled to police protection when visiting the UK, which complicates any potential holiday plans with the royal family.
A royal insider revealed that there is no chance of Harry and Meghan being invited to join King Charles and the rest of the royal family this Christmas, citing ongoing hostility toward them. The King is reportedly appalled by their accusations of racism, finding the claims “extraordinary” and “unbelievable.” Sources close to Prince William and Princess Catherine have made it clear that they would prefer to avoid Harry and Meghan, let alone spend the holiday season with them.
