Inside Prince Harry and Meghan's 'lonely' Christmas without Royal Family contact
Prince Harry used to love spending Christmas at Sandringham with his family, but in recent years he has been banned from the festivities - and has spent the holiday with just one relative
Prince Harry's yuletide festivities have changed dramatically, to a more intimate affair in California, alongside his wife Meghan Markle and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Duke of Sussex used to relish the "golden ticket" that was a traditional Sandringham Christmas, complete with family present exchanges on Christmas Eve, church services, a classic lunch on Christmas Day, followed by a Boxing Day pheasant shoot and an abundance of party games and joy.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward recounted to the Mirror: "The present opening on Christmas Eve with his extended family and then church and traditional Christmas lunch the next day. Then the Boxing Day pheasant shoot and in between loads of party games and drinking."
Yet since his 2018 marriage to Meghan, Harry has only celebrated once at Sandringham, embracing instead the 'happy holidays' traditions of his new homeland. Meghan's mother Doria is now their sole family company over the festive period, as Meghan hinted to at a recent event, alongside great meals, games, and a potential guitar-led singalong at their Montecito residence.
"They will have picked a tree from the rows upon rows of Christmas pines in one of the local stores. Their house will be decorated, and the yard (garden) strung with festive lights. The wealthy residents of Montecito hire interior designers to decorate their houses and trees to perfection," Ingrid added.
"It would not look good if Meghan who publicises herself as the all-American homemaker was to hire someone to adorn their house and decorate their tree. She will have done it herself and made the gingerbread house as is traditional in America."
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While Harry and Meghan were busy decking out their home and crafting gingerbread houses, their royal kin gathered in Sandringham for the customary festivities. However, it seems an invite for Harry and Meghan was not on the cards amidst a poignant conundrum for King Charles.
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Ingrid remarked: "Back at Sandringham it will have been the traditional Christmas UK style that Harry knows so well. King Charles would have loved the opportunity to see his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, but he knew inviting Harry and Meghan would have been awkward for the rest of the family. So, there was no official invitation."
She added, "Harry and Meghan were invited for Christmas at Althorp with thrice-married Uncle Charles, now Earl Spencer, but have decided to stay in California. Meghan says it's important for her that Archie and Lilibet can have 'connective memories' of Thanksgiving and Christmas at home and enjoy the traditions like putting out 'carrots for the reindeer.'".
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