Meghan Markle has previously spoke highly of the two Christmas Days that she spent with the royals, revealing that she told her mum that her first in 2017 was “amazing” and “just like a big family like I always wanted”. Since 2020, Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, have spent Christmas away from the royals, which has meant that their children have never got to spend the festive period with their royal relatives – in particular King Charles.
King Charles has reportedly admitted to feeling “very sad” over having spent very little time with his two youngest grandchildren, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four. The distant relationship between the King and his grandchildren should, in my opinion, be the leading factor in Harry and Meghan’s decision to join the royals this Christmas.
The day is undoubtedly one that the royals look forward to each year, with the Christmas Day church service one of the main highlights. With Meghan’s previous comments, the idea of Archie and Lilibet getting to experience the excitement with their adoring grandfather – and their cousins – would undoubtedly be a heartwarming thought.
It has, however, been reported that the couple could be set to face another Christmas away from Sandringham, amid reports that invitations to Royal Family members have already been sent.
The ongoing strained relationship between Harry and Prince William could, however, be seen as a factor contributing to them not wanting to attend – even if an invitation was extended to California.
A friend of the Royal Family has described the ongoing rift between the two brothers as reason for Harry to not attend Sandringham as it could be “very awkward”.
Speaking of Christmas, Meghan has previously discussed her excitement at spending the festive period with her two little ones.
In an interview with Marie Claire last year, Meghan said that “every year it gets better” as Archie and Lilibet, whom the family affectionately call ‘Lili’, grow older.
She told the publication: “At first, I think as a mum with children you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet. But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year.”
The couple spent Archie’s first Christmas in 2019 in Canada, and are thought to have spent every one since at their home in Montecito.