Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex are weighing up celebrating Christmas in the United States alongside the Duchess’s mother, Doria Ragland.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are unlikely to join the Royal Family for the festive period, with a close friend describing such a gathering as uncomfortable. The couple are not anticipating a formal invitation to Sandringham, where senior royals traditionally gather on Christmas Day.
The announcement comes as the Sussexes prepare for their first joint public appearance on Thursday, when they are scheduled to visit Nottingham together.
A friend of the couple explained their festive arrangements will centre entirely on Ms Ragland’s wishes. “For Thanksgiving and Christmas, they will do whatever Doria wants to do,” the friend told The Sunday Times.
The couple would welcome Ms Ragland visiting Britain for the celebrations but are willing to travel wherever suits her preferences. She currently resides in California.
Regarding the prospect of a royal Christmas, the friend was blunt. “They won’t be having Christmas with the Royal Family. How could that even work? They know it would be too awkward and too difficult.”
The friend added: “They also know they’re not going to be invited, and they’re not waiting for an invitation.”
The Sussexes stepped away from their royal duties in 2020 and subsequently relocated to North America. There are no indications they intend to resume working roles within the Royal Family.
According to another source, the couple returned to Britain at the end of August for what has been characterised as an extended stay.
His Majesty is said to be receptive to spending more time with his family. Over the summer, he and Queen Camilla welcomed the Sussexes and their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, to Highgrove House in July.
However, no current plans exist for the couple to rejoin the working royals in any official capacity.
Thursday will mark the first occasion the Duke and Duchess appear together publicly, with a planned visit to Nottingham.
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Harry is continuing his involvement with charities based in Britain, maintaining connections to his philanthropic work despite residing overseas. His attention remains focused on the Invictus Games, which Birmingham will host in July 2027.
Since the Sussexes’ return to the UK, Prince William has not met with his younger brother. The two siblings are understood to have no contact with one another.
Meghan is continuing to develop As Ever, her lifestyle venture offering household products such as food, wine and candles.
She also plans collaborations with charitable organisations and patrons she worked with during her time as a working royal.
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