In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly not been invited to spend Christmas with the royal family this year. This marks the second consecutive year that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be absent from the traditional festivities at Sandringham Estate.
The couple’s exclusion from the royal Christmas plans comes despite their willingness to attend, as indicated by a source close to the Sussexes. However, it appears that this sentiment is not shared by all members of the royal family.
According to a source who spoke to The Telegraph, senior royals, including Prince William, are not keen on having Harry and Meghan present at the Christmas celebration. The insider remarked that the Sussexes’ suggestion of simply “waltzing back in and allowing bygones to be bygones” if only they were invited was perceived as “bizarre.”
The source further questioned the timing of the Sussexes’ apparent desire for reconciliation, suggesting that it might stem from a realization that “moaning about how awful being a member of the royal family is, isn’t such a great strategy after all.”
The tension between the Sussexes and the royal family has been a subject of intense media scrutiny since Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020. The couple’s subsequent interviews and public statements have been perceived as critical of the institution, further straining their relationship with the monarchy.
Despite the current rift, there have been recent signs of a potential thaw. Last week, Harry reportedly called his father, King Charles, to wish him a happy birthday, marking the first time the two had spoken in over six months. The phone call also included a pre-recorded video of Harry and Meghan’s children, Archie and Lilibet, singing “Happy Birthday” to the King.
While the prospect of a full reconciliation remains uncertain, this small gesture suggests a willingness to bridge the divide. However, the decision to exclude Harry and Meghan from Christmas celebrations indicates that significant challenges remain in repairing the strained relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family.