The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are charting their own path this festive season as they reportedly prepare to celebrate Christmas at their Montecito home, far from the traditional Sandringham estate of the British royal family. Once regular attendees at royal holiday gatherings, the couple was not welcomed this year, with their last appearance at Sandringham dating back to 2018.
Their approach to the holidays has been markedly different since stepping back from royal duties. This year, they plan to enjoy the season with their children, Archie and Lilibet, and Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. Sharing her reflections, Meghan stated, “I love the holidays. Archie and Lilibet are now three and five, so every year it getsbetter.” She elaborated on how, as the children grow, her excitement about experiencing the holidays through their eyes only intensifies. “At first, I think as a mom with children, you’re just enjoying having them there, but now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year,” she said, as reported by The Independent.
Harry, too, has fond memories of their first Christmas celebrations away from the royal family. Recalling their 2020 Christmas, he wrote in his memoir, Spare, about taking Archie to find their Christmas tree, detailing their excitement and the meaning of family time during the season. “We took Archie to find a Christmas tree,” he reflected, “We bought one of the biggest spruces they had. We brought it home, set it up in the living room. Magnificent.”
Meanwhile, the Sussexes continue to face scrutiny from fans and critics alike, particularly surrounding their recent media ventures. Alongside Meghan, Harry serves as an executive producer for their Netflix series on polo, which has drawn mixed reviews. Tommy Severn, Harry's former friend and captain of England's polo team, has criticized the series, noting, “It seemed to be more about Timmy and Tim Dutta than the prince, who doesn’t appear until near the end.” Severn advised against Harry returning to the UK, saying doing so might impact his reputation negatively, especially if he is perceived as distancing himself from longtime friends.
Further complicicating matters, reports indicate the Sussexes' relationship with David and Victoria Beckham has soured significantly. Initially, the couples shared a warm friendship, but after Meghan joined the royal family, several incidents allegedly strained their bond. Tom Bower, celebrity biographer, suggests Meghan felt her royal status elevated her above Victoria, creating unease between them. From exclusion at royal events to accusations of media leaks, the quarrel has escalated to the point where Harry felt compelled to confront David, creating what sources described as “a pretty awkward exchange.”
Harry's protective nature over Meghan was evident during this confrontation, which highlights the tensions brewing within their close circle. “Harry is very protective of Meghan and decided to deal with the matter head-on by directly contacting his good pal David,” reported insiders, underscoring just how deeply personal this fallout has been.
Despite the fallout with the Beckhams, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem dedicated to nurturing their family connections, particularly during the holiday season. They are focused on building memories for their children, celebrating traditions outside royal expectations, and reflecting on what family means to them now. With their path forward fraught with challenges, the Sussexes are committed to creating their own distinct narrative, blending family camaraderie with professional pursuits as they navigate life beyond royal duties.
