Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to celebrate Christmas at their Montecito mansion, The Post can confirm. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have once again been excluded from the guest list for the royal family’s annual gathering at Sandringham House, prompting them to make alternative plans for the festive season.
Instead, the couple, along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will celebrate Christmas with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, a source told Closer. A source close to the pair revealed that Harry and the 43-year-old “Suits” alum will make their at-home celebrations “extra special” for their two young children.
“Meghan’s mom Doria will join them at home in Montecito, and they’ll ensure the children have a joyful day, despite not being around extended family,” an insider said, adding that the couple did not anticipate receiving an invitation from the royals.
The Sussexes have consistently avoided various royal events throughout the year since stepping down from their roles and relocating to the US in 2020. They have not returned to Harry’s homeland for the festive season since the royal family’s 2018 gathering at Sandringham, the late Queen’s country estate in Norfolk, England.
Although the couple did not receive an invitation from the royals for their annual festive gathering, they were invited to spend Christmas at Althorp House, the childhood home of Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. Since leaving royal life, Harry has maintained close contact with his late mother’s family, particularly his uncle Charles Spencer.
However, due to ongoing security concerns after losing their tax-funded protection earlier this year, the couple “had to decline the invitation.” “Both Harry and Meghan agree that they shouldn’t return to the UK until the security arrangements are resolved,” the source said. “Until then, they will only travel to the UK for special occasions or pre-planned visits.”
The Post has reached out to representatives for the Sussexes for comment. Harry, 40, and his wife no longer have an official residence in the UK after King Charles III evicted them from their former royal residence, Frogmore Cottage, last year. Additionally, Meghan has not returned to London since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022.
Meanwhile, across the pond, the royals are preparing to welcome the festive season with a special Christmas carol concert organized by the Princess of Wales.
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