Harry and Meghan celebrated a “quiet” Christmas at home away from the royal family

Prince Harryand Meghan Markle They reportedly spent Christmas at their California home, away from the royal Sandringham celebrations with King Charles and other family members.

The Duchess of Sussex recently described her US holiday as intimate and festive, noting how much she loves the holiday season.

Meanwhile, the King’s annual Christmas speech, which highlighted family unity and public service, notably omitted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Harry and Meghan reportedly spent the holiday at their home in California, as they were not invited to Sandringham, where Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrated a royal tradition by celebrating Christmas Day alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla and other senior royals.

However, during a recent interview with Marie ClaireMeghan shared her thoughts on “simple” family holiday celebrations in the US

“We always make sure we have something to do,” she said. “Like any other family, you spend time having a great meal and then what do you do? Play games, all the same things, someone brings the guitar – fun.”

Meghan also highlighted their practice of making “space at your table for your friends who don’t have family,” recalling how Gloria Steinem once joined them for Thanksgiving.

The Duchess stressed the importance of creating magical memories for their children, Archie and Lilibet, by embracing festive traditions such as leaving carrots for Santa’s reindeer.

Meanwhile, Kate charmed crowds in the UK while attending Christmas Mass at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. She walked alongside William and their children, Prince Louis, 6, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince George, 11.

According to Daily MailCharles and Camilla accompanied the family, although Prince Andrew was noticeably absent. He is said to be keeping a low profile following the controversy surrounding his ties to a suspected Chinese spy.

During their celebrations, the royal family exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve, continuing their German-inspired tradition of giving each other exotic, inexpensive gifts rather than extravagant ones.

A memorable example was when William gifted the late Queen Elizabeth with a pair of slippers featuring her face.

Although they were not invited to Sandringham this year, Harry and Meghan used to join the royal family there for the holiday celebrations.

In 2017, Meghan attended her first Christmas at Sandringham after announcing her engagement to Harry. She later spoke about her experience on Netflix’s 2022 series “Harry and Meghan,” describing it as “amazing.”

“I remember very clearly that first Christmas at Sandringham,” Meghan shared. “I called my mom and said, ‘How’s it going?’ And I was like, Oh my God, it’s amazing, it’s like a big family like I always wanted, and there was just this constant movement and energy and fun.

Recalling the evening meal, Meghan said she sat next to Prince Philip, affectionately calling him “Grandpa H.”

She laughed of the moment, saying, “I thought it was so cool. And I said, ‘Oh, we talked,’ and it was so cool.”

She added: “He (Harry) was like, ‘You have a bad ear. And he couldn’t hear anything you were saying.’ I said, ‘Oh, I thought it went really well.’

In addition to being left out of the guest list at the Sandringham celebrations, Harry, Meghan and Andrew were noticeably absent from Charles’ annual Christmas Day address to the nation.

During his speech, Charles highlighted the dedication of the medical professionals involved in his and Kate’s cancer care.

He also expressed pride in how communities across the UK have come together in response to the summer riots, and showed videos of William and other working royals.

talking to womanRoyal historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop noted that Charles’ speech “chose to focus on family strengths, not weaknesses, to support the nation.”

She commented: “Lest we be in any doubt, the clever film that accompanied this speech emphasized the importance of the King’s First Royal Team, which is there to provide what Charles sees as an alternative to global murder: a mission to listen and understand. This leads to actions for the good of all.”

“As well as a replay of the King’s famous hug with the New Zealand women’s rugby team, there was footage of Kate in Trooping the Colour, Camilla in Scotland and Australia, and William delivering food to the homeless and, of course, to those who are homeless,” Dunlop added. Royal heroes, Princess Anne and the House of Edinburgh.”

With the rift between Harry, Meghan and the royal family widening every year, it is not clear whether there will ever be a reconciliation.