Meghan And Harry Are Celebrating Christmas Solo This Year

The couple is opting not to spend the holiday with the royal family.

Members Of The Royal Family Attend St Mary Magdalene Church In Sandringham
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)

Christmas festivities at Sandringham are going to be a little smaller this year. After spending the past two Christmases with the rest of the royal family, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as their new son, Archie, will be spending the holidays this year with Markle's mother, Doria Ragland.

The Palace spokesperson said in regards to the change, "This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen."

Usual traditions at the three-day event at Sandringham include multiple outfit changes a day, and many public walks to church (the most famous one on Christmas Day).

Royals attends Christmas Day Church service

Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry attending church service together in 2018.

(Image credit: Joe Giddens - PA Images)

This would not be the first time a royal couple has opted out of Christmas at Sandringham. In 2016, Kate Middleton and Prince William spent the holiday with Kate's family in Bucklebury and took Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The announcement comes after reports that the Sussexes have a scheduled six-week break from royal duties. The family is already set to see Ragland in L.A. for Thanksgiving. It will be the first time Markle has returned to California since her wedding and mark six-month old Archie's first time in America.

A royal source told NBC News, "The Duke and Duchess have a full schedule of engagements and commitments until mid-November, after which they will be taking some much-needed family time."

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Bianca Rodriguez
Audience Development Manager

Bianca Rodriguez is the Audience Development Manager at Future, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Marie Claire, Who What Wear US and Who What Wear UK. In addition to spearheading SEO content across brands—whether writing about wardrobe must-haves or strategizing how to make eye-catching content—she is also an avid reader with a deep love and knowledge for books of all genres. More often than not, you can find her lounging with a good book on the weekend.