The Real Reason Harry & Meghan Won't Be at the Royal Christmas, Sources Say
It sounds like it might be a California Christmas for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this year. According to a report from Page Six, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be attending the royal family's Christmas celebrations in England. "Royal sources" told the publication that the couple have made their decision and also shared the supposed reason why they will not be joining the celebrations at Queen Elizabeth's Sandringham Estate.
Harry and Meghan stepped down as working members of the royal family in March 2020 and moved to the U.S. They now live in Santa Barbara, California. In the time since their move, they have started their nonprofit organization Archewell, made headlines for their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, and welcomed their second child, Lilibet. The interview with Winfrey, in particular, made it clear just how major the issues were between Meghan and Harry and his family.
Read on to find out more about the famous couple's reported holiday decision.
RELATED: Oprah Asked Meghan & Harry to Agree to This One Thing Before the Tell-All.
Sources claim the decision has already been made.
A source told Page Six that if Meghan and Harry were going to be with the royal family for Christmas, it would have been concretely planned by now. "There's a lot that goes into the logistics and the planning of the family Christmas, so of course, staff know that Harry and Meghan are not coming," an insider told Page Six. "If they were, they would have communicated it to their family by now." They added, "But this is Her Majesty's first Christmas without her husband, so one would have hoped they would want to be with her." The queen's husband, Prince Philip, died at age 99 in April.
Meghan and Harry last spent Christmas at Sandringham in 2018. In 2019, they spent Christmas together in Canada, and by Christmas 2020 they had already moved to the U.S.
They reportedly aren't returning because it would cause a frenzy.
One of Page Six's sources claimed that Meghan and Harry aren't going to celebrate Christmas with the royals because of the chaos it would cause. "I think everyone understands there will be a frenzy when they both come back to the U.K., but they need to rip the [Band-Aid] off and get on with it," the source said.
For more celebrity news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
There have been conflicting reports about the holiday.
A month ago, there were different reports about Harry and Meghan's Christmas plans. Us Weekly reported in October that Harry was hoping to visit his grandmother around the end of the year. A source told the magazine that Harry "feels guilty about not saying goodbye" to Prince Philip in person prior to his death. They continued, "[He] would never forgive himself if the same thing happened with his beloved grandmother" and claimed that he was "hoping to go back home for Christmas with Meghan, if not before so that she can finally get to meet [her great granddaughter] Lilibet and see [great grandson] Archie again."
The Queen's health has made headlines lately.
Queen Elizabeth has been in the news a lot recently, because health issues have caused her to cancel several public appearances. The monarch was hospitalized for an unknown reason and had to cancel a trip to Northern Ireland in October. Then, in November, she canceled an appearance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference after doctors told her to rest. On Sunday, Nov. 14, she also missed Remembrance Day service with Buckingham Palace explaining that she sprained her back, as reported by People.
Harry and Meghan will reportedly be in the U.K. for a major event next year.
Next year marks 70 years on the throne for Queen Elizabeth, and she will be celebrated with her Platinum Jubilee. According to a source who spoke with Page Six, Harry and Meghan are expected to attend the celebrations in June 2022. But one source suggested they should return to the U.K. before this. "If that is the first time they are back in the country since Megxit, and they suck all the oxygen from the Queen, that will be just terrible," the source said.
Royal historian Edward Owens told Express in October, "I imagine if they come for the Platinum Jubilee, it will be a bit like what happened with Philip's funeral, it will be a brief visit and then off again." Harry returned for Philip's funeral earlier this year and made another visit to unveil a statue of his mother, Princess Diana, with his brother, Prince William. Meghan has not yet visited the U.K. since moving.
RELATED: Here's Everything We Know About Queen Elizabeth's Health Right Now.
Lia Beck Lia Beck is a writer living in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to Best Life, she has written for Refinery29, Bustle, Hello Giggles, InStyle, and more.Read moreFiled UnderCelebrities • Entertainment • News • Royal FamilyRead This NextThe Royals' Fear After Harry & Meghan's New York Trip
"There is nothing anyone else in the Palace can do about that. It's a worrisome sign," an insider said.September 28, 2021This One Royal Will "Never Forgive" Harry & Meghan
"It's seems unlikely there is much that could change [their] mind after everything that's happened."September 9, 2021Harry & Meghan Plan to Break This Tradition
"From that point, it was going to be their rules and their way," an insider said.August 18, 202110 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017
