King Charles has reportedly not extended an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the royal family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham this year. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be absent from the festive celebration, having last attended in 2018.
The couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and now reside in Montecito, California, are expected to spend the holidays in the United States with their children, Archie and Lilibet, and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. Their decision to establish their own holiday traditions reflects their ongoing separation from royal family events.
Tensions between Prince Harry and the royal family have persisted, particularly concerning security arrangements and communication challenges. Reports indicate that King Charles has not responded to Prince Harry’s recent attempts to discuss these issues, leading to further estrangement.
In contrast, other senior royals, including Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children, are expected to join King Charles at Sandringham for the Christmas festivities. The exclusion of the Sussexes underscores the ongoing complexities within the royal family dynamics.
Royal experts suggest that extending an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan may have been considered “too much” for King Charles, given the current strained relationships. As the holiday season approaches, the royal family continues to navigate these internal challenges while upholding longstanding traditions.