- This year, like many families around the world, the royal family will be celebrating Christmas apart, observing social distancing guidelines put in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their son, Archie Harrison, will be celebrating from their new home in California, but are said to be on better terms lately with the rest of the royal family than they were even earlier this year.
- A source close to the royal family told ET Online that the royals are planning Zoom calls and to play games with each other online since they can't be together at the Queen's estate in Sandringham this year.
If your Christmas plans look much different this year than usual, then you're definitely not alone. The royal family usually gathers at the Queen's estate in Sandringham to celebrate the Christmas holidays, but this year, they'll be celebrating separately from different locations because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Queen and Prince Philip announced earlier this month that they will be celebrating the holidays quietly from Windsor Castle, for example. While it's not known exactly where many members of the royal family will be celebrating just yet, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their son, Archie Harrison, will be celebrating from their new home in Montecito, California.
The royals might not be able to be together in person, but they'll still be connecting and celebrating the holiday together. A source explained to ET Online that the Firm already has plans in place for their socially distanced celebration.
"The family is planning Zoom calls and games online because they can’t all spend Christmas at Sandringham together like they normally do," the royal source told ET.
And even though Harry and Meghan's relationship with the rest of the royal family has been notoriously strained this year, the source says that's changing too and the Sussexes are definitely part of the Christmas plan.
"Everyone is on better terms and have been for quite some time. The relationship has improved and COVID has brought everyone closer together," the source explained. "Harry was very concerned for his brother and father when they both contracted the disease. While there have been disagreements, like there are in every family, the brotherly bond remains intact despite tabloid reports."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Paris Hilton Is Finally Ready to Share Her Daughter With the World
Hilton shared why she chose the name London, who her daughter resembles, and the special significance behind her birthdate.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Kim Kardashian Confirms to Jimmy Kimmel Whether the Weirdest Rumors About Her Are True or Not
Emphasis on the WEIRDEST rumors.
By Fleurine Tideman Published
-
Cute Summer Outfits From the Runways With Real-Life Appeal
From beach bumming to al fresco dining.
By Emma Childs Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published