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Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s ‘important’ reason for spending Christmas at home in California revealed
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly prioritized their children when they decided to spend Christmas at home in California.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex enjoyed the holiday with son Prince Archie, 5, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 3, at their home in the exclusive enclave of Montecito.
According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, the couple made the choice to stay home after declining an invitation to celebrate Christmas at Althorp House, the Northampton, U.K., estate owned by the late Princess Diana’s younger brother, Charles, Earl Spencer.
“Harry and Meghan were invited for Christmas at Althorp with thrice-married Uncle Charles, now Earl Spencer, but have decided to stay in California,” Seward told the Mirror. “Meghan says it’s important for her that Archie and Lilibet can have ‘connective memories’ of Thanksgiving and Christmas at home and enjoy the traditions like putting out ‘carrots for the reindeer.’”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to spend Christmas at their California home to create new memories and traditions for their children. (Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)
Despite the rift between the Sussexes and the royal family, Harry and Earl Spencer have continued to share a close relationship.
Harry and Meghan have visited Althorp on multiple occasions over the past few years, and the duke’s uncle attended his nephew’s Invictus Games’ 10th anniversary service in London May 8.
“Meghan says it’s important for her that Archie and Lilibet can have ‘connective memories’ of Thanksgiving and Christmas at home and enjoy the traditions like putting out ‘carrots for the reindeer.’”
Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, was reportedly the only other family member to join the Sussexes for their quiet Christmas celebration.
The pair declined an invitation from Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Earl Spencer, to celebrate the holiday at Althorp in England. (Dominic Lipinski/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
Representatives for Harry and Megan did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
During a November interview with Marie Claire, Meghan gushed over her love for the holidays.
She noted that her children are now “3 and 5, so every year it gets better.”
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“At first, I think, as a mom with children, you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet,” the former “Suits” star said. “But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year.
“Every single holiday is a new adventure.”
On Dec. 16, Harry and Markle released their holiday card, which featured a grid of six photos. An accompanying message said, “On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year.”
Included in those six pictures was a rare glimpse of Archie and Lilibet. In the family photo, Harry is seen bending down to greet his daughter with a hug, and Markle is seen doing the same with Archie.
Harry and Meghan shared a rare glimpse of their children on their new holiday card. (Getty/Archewell )
Earlier this month, People magazine reported the Sussexes did not receive an invitation from the royal family to join them at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk for their annual Christmas holiday.
Harry and Meghan haven’t spent Christmas at Sandringham with the royal family since 2018, the same year they were married.
On Christmas Day, King Charles III, 76, and wife Queen Camilla, 77, took part in the royal family’s traditional walk for morning mass at Sandringham’s St. Mary Magdalene Church.
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They were joined by Charles’ son Prince William, 42, Kate Middleton, 42, and their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6.
Other royal family members in attendance included Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, 74; her daughter Zara Tindall, 43; and Mike Tindall, 46. Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, 60, and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, also attended the service.
The royal family celebrated Christmas at Sandringham. (Getty Images)
The year has been a tumultuous one for the royal family. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was being treated for cancer, though it was not specified which type. Earlier this year, the monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate.
In January, Kensington Palace announced Kate had planned abdominal surgery. She was out of sight for several months, sparking speculation about her health.
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In March, Kate put the speculation to rest by announcing she had also been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.
In September, Kate announced she had completed chemotherapy treatment. In a video announcing her progress, she said the path to full recovery would be long, and she would take it day by day.
She said she would undertake some limited engagements through the end of the year.
Fox News Digital’s Brie Stimston and Janelle Ash contributed to this report.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently announced that they will be spending Christmas at home in California, rather than joining the royal family in the UK for the holidays. While some may question their decision, the couple has revealed an important reason for their choice.
According to sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they are prioritizing the health and safety of their young children, Archie and Lilibet, by opting to celebrate the festive season in the comfort of their own home. With ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and potential travel restrictions, Harry and Meghan feel it is best to remain in the US where they can better control their environment and limit potential exposure to the virus.
Additionally, the couple reportedly wants to create their own family traditions and memories with their children, away from the spotlight and expectations of royal tradition. This decision is seen as a way for Harry and Meghan to establish their independence and forge their own path as a family.
While some may criticize their choice to not spend Christmas with the royal family, it is clear that Harry and Meghan’s primary concern is the well-being of their children and the desire to create a sense of normalcy and stability in their lives. As they continue to navigate their new roles outside of the monarchy, this holiday season will be a meaningful and special time for the Sussex family.
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- Prince Harry
- Meghan Markle
- Christmas
- California
- Royal family
- Holiday season
- Duke and Duchess of Sussex
- Home for the holidays
- Royal news
- Celebrity gossip
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