The Royal Family’s Christmas is steeped in tradition, with the monarchy actively echoing customs set down by their forebears. But this year, while most of the Royal Family congregates at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, there are suggestions that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their children may not be joining them.
It seems likely that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their little ones will spend another festive season in California where they have built a new life together. A Royal commentator has given us a glimpse into what the Sussexes’ Christmas might look like.
“Meghan strikes me as a real home-maker and I’m sure everything in Montecito will be exquisitely tasteful, but also child friendly, because Meghan and Harry focus so much on their children and family life,” says seasoned Royal expert Jennie Bond.
“Their kids are at one of the most magical stages of childhood when everything is spine-tinglingly new and exciting, and Santa is indisputably real.”
Speaking to OK! she also highlighted the expected joy for Harry and Meghan’s children as well as Prince Harry’s own charming childlike enthusiasm.
She added: “I think there is still a lot of the child in Harry as he was always the playful, mischievous one – and I’m sure he throws himself into Christmas fun with Archie and Lilibet.”
As they remain distant from much of their family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Christmas likely leans more towards friends than relatives. However, as an exception, Meghan has warmly mentioned the joy of having her mother Doria around.
One expert speculates: “Estranged as Harry and Meghan are from so many members of their respective families, Christmas must be more about friends than family. But Doria is a constant in their lives, and Meghan spoke recently about how she loved having her mum nearby.”
The festivities for the couple will certainly diverge from Prince Harry’s memories of Christmases at Sandringham with predictions that: “I think they will join forces to create a wonderful, sunny, Christmas Day with fabulous food, maybe some friends and lots of games and music.”
In California, potential plans include: “In California, they can have a bit of a pool party to work off the food and have some fun – all very informal and very different from the Christmas festivities at Sandringham that Harry will remember.”
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex look forward to basking in the Californian sun, back in Norfolk, the Royal Family will adhere to their time-honoured traditions. Prior to Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, Royal commentator Robert Jobson shared a glimpse into these practices: “On Christmas Eve when all the clan are together, the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren put the finishing touches to the 20ft Christmas tree in the White Drawing Room.
“Presents will be opened that day at tea time as the royals still keep to the German practice of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve. Gifts are laid out in the Red Drawing Room on a white linen-covered trestle table, with cards marking exactly where the piles of gifts should be put.
“Once everyone has arrived, the Royal guests enjoy a traditional Christmas that includes putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree and the giving of cheap and humorous gifts.”
