As the royal family once again gathers at Sandringham for their traditional Christmas celebrations, Prince Harry finds himself thousands of miles away. The Duke of Sussex is spending the festive season in California with Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This year marks the seventh Christmas Harry has missed with his royal relatives since stepping back from official duties in 2020.
While the royals prepare for church walks and long-standing traditions in Norfolk, life for the Sussexes looks very different. Their holiday is expected to unfold in the warmth of Montecito, surrounded by palm trees rather than frosty fields. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, is also believed to be joining them, making it a close-knit and intimate family gathering.
Mixed emotions and a pull of nostalgia
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond believes that, despite his settled life in the United States, Harry may still feel a tug of emotion at this time of year. Speaking to The Mirror, she explained that Harry has previously admitted to missing aspects of his life in the UK, including the humour, friendships, pub culture and family occasions that once shaped his world.
According to Bond, seeing images of his relatives making their familiar walk to Sandringham Church could stir something emotional. The sense of tradition and continuity may well pull at his heartstrings, even if only briefly. She added that Harry has always spoken with affection about Britain, making it natural that Christmas might bring moments of reflection.
However, those feelings may not linger for long. Bond suggested that the comfort of a Californian Christmas, spent with his wife, children and mother-in-law, likely softens any longing for the often cold and grey winter in Norfolk. For Harry, the contrast between the two worlds may reinforce why he chose a different path.
A family focus in California
While Prince William, Princess Kate and their children are expected to celebrate Christmas with King Charles at Sandringham, the Sussexes are embracing a very different festive mood. Meghan has leaned fully into the season this year, releasing her Netflix project With Love: Holiday Special, where she shared personal holiday traditions from their home.