Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Reportedly Plan First UK Christmas in Eight Years

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to spend Christmas in the UK for the first time in eight years—but they are not expected to join the Royal Family’s traditional celebrations at Sandringham.

Instead, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be planning a private Christmas with their children and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.

The reported plans mark a notable change for the couple, who are said to be embracing a British festive season following their unexpected move from their Montecito estate back to the UK in August.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to want to stay in the UK this Christmas (Image: Getty)

A Private Christmas in the Cotswolds

According to HELLO! Magazine, Harry and Meghan are expected to spend a quiet Christmas at their new base in the Cotswolds with Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.

Doria Ragland is also expected to join the family for their private celebrations.

Earlier reports had suggested the Sussexes might return to California to spend the festive period with Meghan’s mother. However, the latest report indicates that the family now plans to remain in Britain and enjoy a traditional British winter together.

The celebration would reportedly be the couple’s first Christmas in the UK in eight years.

Harry and Meghan won’t be spending Christmas with the royals (Image: Getty)

No Return to the Sandringham Gathering

Despite reportedly being back in the UK, Harry and Meghan are not expected to attend the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham.

The King and Queen Camilla, along with other senior members of the Royal Family, are expected to celebrate Christmas at the Norfolk estate, including the traditional Christmas Day church service and family lunch.

The Sussexes’ decision to celebrate separately could also serve as a reminder of the continuing distance between Harry and Meghan and the wider Royal Family.

Meghan last spent Christmas with the royals in 2018. The previous year, she had attended the family’s festivities as Prince Harry’s fiancée after being invited by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Since stepping back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have spent the festive season in the United States and Canada.

A Different Kind of Christmas for the Sussex Family

If the reported plans go ahead, this Christmas will represent a significant change for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their children.

While they may be spending the holiday in the same country as the Royal Family, their celebrations are expected to take place privately, away from the traditions and public attention surrounding Sandringham.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was contacted for comment on the reported Christmas plans.