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).
Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry attending church service together in 2018.
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."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
-
Selena Gomez's Latest 'Only Murders' Coat Is No Laughing MatterThe studded piece is her most enviable outerwear yet.
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 4 Is Confirmed. Here's What We Know About Our Return to WellsburyThe creator has already teased her thoughts on where the show will go after that shocking finale.
-
Bryce Dallas Howard Taps Frequency Healing and Silly Animal Videos for Her Daily Wellness ResetHer advice: laugh more, feel more.
-
How a "Last-Minute" Message Called an Urgent "Ceasefire" Between Prince Harry and Prince William After Queen Elizabeth Died"They are better and stronger together than they are apart."
-
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Princess Diana With Princess Lilibet's 4th Birthday CelebrationThe Sussexes spent "two days of pure joy" at Disneyland with their children.
-
Prince William Says Family Can Be a "Mixed Bag" Amid Rift With Prince HarryThe Prince of Wales referenced tough family dynamics during a chat with soldiers.
-
Princess Lilibet Has Prince Harry's Eyes in Adorable New Fourth Birthday PhotosProud mom Meghan shared some unseen photos of Lili—and she looks just like her dad.
-
All About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Two Rescue Dogs, Mamma Mia and PulaPrince Harry says the pair are "emotional support dogs 100 percent, when they're behaving."
-
Exclusive: Meghan Markle on the "Extraordinary Advice" Tina Knowles Gave Her During Special Podcast EpisodeThe Duchess of Sussex tells 'Marie Claire' what it was like talking business and Beyoncé with Ms. Tina.
-
Meghan Markle Says One Aspect of Royal Life Left Her "Clinging Very Closely" to Prince Harry During Prince Archie PregnancyThe duchess recalled thinking, "please don’t let me fall."
-
Royal Family Is Open to "Public Scrutiny" as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Former Home, Frogmore Cottage, Sits UnusedProperty expert Robin Edwards tells 'Marie Claire' that there's multiple options for the historic home.
