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NY Post

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Christmas plans revealed after royal family invite snub

Nika Shakhnazarova
3 min read
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Christmas plans revealed after royal family invite snub
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to celebrate Christmas at their Montecito mansion, The Post can confirm.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have once again been snubbed from the guest list to the royal family’s annual get-together at Sandringham House — leaving them to carve out other plans for the festive season.

Instead, the duo — along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet — will celebrate Christmas with Markle’s mom, Doria Ragland, a source told Closer.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to celebrate Christmas at their Montecito mansion, according to a report. Getty Images for W+P
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to celebrate Christmas at their Montecito mansion, according to a report. Getty Images for W+P

A source close to the pair told the outlet that Harry and the “Suits” alum, 43, will make their at-home celebrations “extra special” for their two young children.

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“Meghan’s mom Doria will join them at home in Montecito and they’ll ensure the children have a joyful day, despite not being around extended family,” an insider said, adding that the couple did not expect to receive an invitation from the royals.

The Sussexes have repeatedly skipped out on various, year-round royal activities since quitting the Firm and moving to the US in 2020.

The duo — along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet — will celebrate Christmas with Markle’s mom, Doria Ragland. Netflix
The duo — along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet — will celebrate Christmas with Markle’s mom, Doria Ragland. Netflix

They have not been back on Harry’s home turf for the festive season since the royal family’s 2018 gathering at Sandringham, the late queen’s country estate in Norfolk, England.

But while the duo didn’t receive an invitation from the royals for their annual festive get-together, the Sussexes did get invited to spend Christmas at Althorp House — the childhood home of his late mother, Princess Diana.

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Since quitting royal life, Harry has stayed in close contact with his late mother’s side of the family, specifically his uncle Charles Spencer.

The pair have not been back in the UK for the festive season since the royal family’s gathering at Sandringham in 2018. UK Press via Getty Images
The pair have not been back in the UK for the festive season since the royal family’s gathering at Sandringham in 2018. UK Press via Getty Images

However, given the ongoing security woes the couple had been dealing with after being stripped from tax-funded protection earlier this year, the duo “had to turn [the invitation] down.”

“Both Harry and Meghan agree that they shouldn’t return to the UK until the security arrangements are resolved,” the source said. “Until then, they will only travel to the UK for special occasions or pre-planned visits.”

The Post has reached out to reps for the Sussexes for comment.

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Harry, 40, and his wife have no official place to stay in the UK after the king served them an eviction notice from their former royal residence, Frogmore Cottage, last year.

The Sussexes have have repeatedly skipped out on various royal activities since quitting the Firm and moving to the US in 2020. AP
The Sussexes have have repeatedly skipped out on various royal activities since quitting the Firm and moving to the US in 2020. AP

Additionally, Markle has not stepped foot in London since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.

Meanwhile, across the pond, the royals are gearing up to welcome the festive season with a special Christmas carol concert organized by the Princess of Wales.

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