Rock-bottom relations between the Sussexes and other royals means they are likely to snub a Christmas invitation and not join the rest of his family for the first Christmas since Her Majesty died.
The death of Queen Elizabeth II inevitably caused significant changes in the Royal Family, therefore, every piece of information involved the Royals would hit the headlines.
Recently, the news that draws the public’s attention is that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might not celebrate Christmas with the Royal Family, even though this is the first year without the Queen, reports the Express.
The reason behind the Sussexes' absence
According to the Independent, near rock-bottom relations between the Sussexes, who were previously demoted on the Royal Family website, and their royal relatives are supposedly the cause. The tension further escalates after Prince Harry is set to publish his bombshell memoir titled Spare in January 2023, which 'completely caught the royals by surprise' with its 'raw, unflinching honesty'.
He is being paid more than £36 million for a three-book deal, securing a £20 million advance.
This year, King Charles and Queen Camilla would continue the long-standing tradition of Queen Elizabeth II by hosting the royal Christmas at Sandringham in an effort to emphasize stability and reunion despite the sudden change in the monarchy.
Although it is known that King Charles III has sent an invitation to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—whom he has described as still 'much loved' members of the family—it has been reported by the Mirror that they are most likely not going to embrace the new King's offer.
An insider close to the new King exclusively told The Royalist that it will be 'very strange without the Queen at Christmas':
‘It will be very strange for the family to be at Sandringham without the queen at Christmas. However the past two years have been fairly strange because of COVID, so at this stage, they are just hoping, like everyone else, that a big gathering can go ahead.’
Asked if Harry would attend, the friend, who has previously visited Sandringham over the holiday season to take part in the estate's well-known pheasant and partridge shoots, responded:
‘Obviously his sons have a standing invitation, but the reality is that no one is expecting Harry and Meghan to fly over, given that his book is hanging over everything.’
Last year, the Sussexes already snubbed the Queen's invite to avoid 'a media frenzy' and instead spent Christmas at their home in Montecito, California with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Which royals will be present?
According to the source, Prince William and Kate are scheduled to be at Sandringham. Now that William is the first in the succession line, the days of being able to avoid the obligations of the royal Christmas and slink off to Kate's house are probably over.
Besides, the presence of Tom and Laura, Camilla's children, is still up for debate. Although they were invited to the queen's funeral, they are not thought to be close to William and did not play any significant roles. Tom has two children with his ex-wife Sara Buys, a fashion editor, and art dealer Laura has three teens with her husband Harry Lopes.
A spokesperson for King Charles refused to comment on the Christmas guest list, but a royal insider did assure The Daily Beast that Charles would continue the traditions and rituals started by Elizabeth and her ancestors.
These include presents being opened on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day, a Teutonic custom named 'Heiligabend Bescherung', begun by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband.
Sandringham during Christmas is believed to be a royal ceremonial occasion, that Princess Diana once found the day claustrophobic and would duck down to the kitchen to have a chat with the staff. Hence, it will be interesting to see if Charles and Camilla bring a more relaxing approach to the day itself, or if they maintain the same tight concentration on duty.
Read more:
⋙ King Charles asks parliament for major shake-up involving Prince Harry
⋙ Prince Harry: Mounting criticisms over the Duke's memoir
⋙ King Charles III will be 'ruthless' if Harry and Meghan continue to do this
⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'demoted' on Royal Family's website
