In spite of earlier reports suggesting they planned to return to the United Kingdom for Christmas, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly stay in California for the holidays this year.
A source close to the couple told Vanity Fair that they have "no plans" to go back to the U.K. this year and are "really enjoying their new life in California and their new home."
The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions are only part of the reason the reason the Sussexes plan to stay in the United States for the holidays. Apparently, Harry's strained relationship with this brother, Prince William, is also a factor.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (opens in new tab) won't be celebrating Christmas with the rest of the royal family this year, apparently.
A source close to the couple told Vanity Fair (opens in new tab)that the Sussexes don't have any plans to fly back to the United Kingdom for the holidays this year, in spite of earlier reports suggesting they hoped to (opens in new tab) do just that.
"At this stage they are really enjoying their new life in California and their new home," the source explained. "There are currently no plans for them to return to the U.K. for Christmas."
Part of the reason behind the Sussexes' (opens in new tab) holiday plans is, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made transatlantic travel complicated at best. But, according to the Vanity Fair source, the pandemic isn't the only reason Harry and Meghan (opens in new tab) decided not to make the trip back to the U.K. this holiday season. Apparently, Harry's ongoing rift with his brother, Prince William (opens in new tab), also played a role.
"Let’s just say that while things are better between Harry and his brother, it’s not what it was, and I don’t think anyone is ready for a cozy family Christmas right now," the source added.
Meghan Markle's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
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(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
March 9, 2020
Meghan and Prince Harry attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey with all of the royal family. Meghan is wearing a custom Emilia Wickstead dress and carrying a Gabriela Hearst Demi bag (opens in new tab); she's also wearing Birks earrings and Aquazzura heels (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
March 8, 2020
The Duchess of Sussex visits the Robert Clack School for International Women's Day. Meghan is wearing a ME+EM jacket (opens in new tab), a Cuyana T-shirt (opens in new tab), a Rejina Pyo bag (opens in new tab), and Jennifer Chamandi pumps (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
March 7, 2020
Meghan arrives with Prince Harry at the Mountbatten Music Festival. She is wearing a Safiyaa dress, Simone Rocha earrings (opens in new tab), and a Manolo Blahnik clutch (opens in new tab).
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at Canada House in London for their first 2020 appearance. She is seen wearing a Reiss Coat, Massimo Dutti turtleneck and skirt (opens in new tab), and Jimmy Choo Romy pumps (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
November 9, 2019
Meghan steps out in a bespoke Erdem dress, her favorite Aquazzura heels (opens in new tab), and Jessica McCormack earrings (opens in new tab), for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
November 7, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. She wore a Sentaler coat (opens in new tab), a Phillip Treacy hat, Tamara Mellon boots (opens in new tab), and Dents gloves (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
October 25, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a panel discussion on gender equality with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust. Meghan is wearing a monochromatic look in a Joseph sweater, a Hugo Boss leather skirt, Sarah Flint pumps (opens in new tab), and Emily Mortimer stud earrings (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 22, 2019
Meghan Markle arrives to the One Young World Summit in an Aritzia dress paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
October 15, 2019
Meghan Markle recycles her engagement dress to WellChild Awards, a charity for seriously ill children and their families. She pairs her P.A.R.O.S.H. dress with a Sentaler coat (opens in new tab) and Montunas bag (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 2, 2019
For a South African engagement to visit the Youth Employment Services in South Africa, the Duchess of Sussex steps out in Hannah Lavery shirt dress, Madewell earrings (opens in new tab), and Stuart Weitzman pumps (opens in new tab).
Meghan and Archie step out for Archie's first royal engagement during the tour in South Africa. She wore a Club Monaco dress and a pair of Jennifer Meyer turquoise earrings (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
September 24, 2019
Meghan chose a Staud dress (opens in new tab), Cuyana scarf (opens in new tab) and Sam Edelman flats (opens in new tab) for the visit at Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with Prince Harry.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
September 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit District 6 Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. Meghan wore a Veronica Beard blue button-down dress and Castañer espadrilles (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
September 12, 2019
The Duchess Of Sussex attends the launch of the Smart Works Capsule Collection, while wearing a Misha Nonoo button-down (opens in new tab) and wearing butterfly earrings and a cuff that once belonged to Princess Diana.
(Image credit: Mike Marsland)
July 14, 2019
The Duke and Duchess walk the red carpet for the Lion King premiere in London. Meghan wears a Jason Wu dress and Nikos Koulis earrings (opens in new tab) with a Gucci clutch (opens in new tab).
Meghan Markle attends Wimbledon to watch her friend Serena Williams. She wore her L'Agence blazer (opens in new tab) and Finlay sunglasses (opens in new tab), and a delicate necklace (opens in new tab) with an A for Archie.
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
June 8, 2019
Meghan Markle steps out for her first royal appearance since giving birth. She attends the 2019 Trooping the Colour with Prince Harry in a Givenchy dress and hat by Noelle Stewart.
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
May 8, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex present their baby, Archie, to the world. She wears a Wales Bonner trench coat dress, Manolo Blahnik pumps (opens in new tab), and Jennifer Meyer necklace (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
March 19, 2019
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive at New Zealand House in London to pay tribute to the victims of the New Zealand terrorist attacks. Meghan wears a vintage black cape, Gucci clutch (opens in new tab)and Aquazzura black cut-out pumps. (opens in new tab)
(Image credit: Max Mumby/Indigo)
March 11, 2019
Meghan wore a Victoria Beckham dress (opens in new tab), coat, clutch (opens in new tab), and shoes to the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
March 11, 2019
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex attend a Commonwealth Day youth event at Canada House. The Duchess wore a Erdem set, Givenchy clutch, Aquazzura heels (opens in new tab), and Birks earrings (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
March 8, 2019
Meghan wore a Reiss printed dress, an Alexander McQueen blazer, a Stella McCartney clutch (opens in new tab) and Manolo Blahnik pumps (opens in new tab) to the International Women's Day panel discussion.
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
February 24, 2019
The Duchess Of Sussex wore Dior head to toe and Birks earrings (opens in new tab) while visiting Morocco.
(Image credit: Yui Mok - PA Images)
February 24, 2019
The Duke and Duchess arrive to the "Education For All" boarding house in Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Meghan wore an Alice and Olivia blazer and Birdies slippers (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
February 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex visit Morocco. Meghan wore a Valentino dress, a Valentino clutch (opens in new tab), and Gianvito Rossi gloves (opens in new tab) and pumps (opens in new tab) to meet the Crown Prince of Morocco, Moulay Hassan.
Meghan Markle visits the National Theatre wearing a Brandon Maxwell dress and blazer, a Carolina Herrera clutch, and Aquazzura pumps (opens in new tab).
The Duchess of Sussex visits Smart Works wearing Kimai earrings (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Jeff Spicer/BFC)
December 10, 2018
Meghan appears at the Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall. The Duchess wore a Givenchy dress, Tamara Mellon heels (opens in new tab), Pippa Small earrings and bangles (opens in new tab).
Prince Harry and Meghan visit New Zealand; both are wearing Muck boots (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
October 29, 2018
Harry and Meghan visiting New Zealand during their Autumn tour Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand. Meghan opted for Adidas Stan Smith sneakers (opens in new tab) for this occasion.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their royal tour in Australia. The duchess steps out in a Reformation dress with Sarah Flint sandals (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
October 21, 2018
Meghan spotted wearing Veja sneakers (opens in new tab) during day two the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia.
(Image credit: Samir Hussein)
October 21, 2018
Meghan Markle attended a reception hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia at The Pavilion Restaurant, wearing White Blazer, Oroton bag (opens in new tab), and Aquazzura pumps (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Pool/Samir Hussein)
October 18, 2018
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit south Melbourne Beach during their 16 day Autumn tour. Meghan wore an a-line Club Monaco dress (opens in new tab), Martin Grant trench coat (opens in new tab), and Rothy's flats. (opens in new tab)
The Duchess of Sussex attended "100 Days of Peace", she wore a Jason Wu blue dress (opens in new tab), Aquazzura pumps (opens in new tab), Birks earrings (opens in new tab), and bespoke Dior bag.
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
August 29, 2018
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a gala performance of "Hamilton". The Duchess wore Judith & Charles Blazer dress, Paul Andrew pumps (opens in new tab), and Shaun Leane earrings (opens in new tab).
(Image credit: Chris Jackson)
July 26, 2018
Meghan Markle wore a Carolina Herrera denim wrap dress, Birks earrings, J Crew bag (opens in new tab), and Aquazzura pumps (opens in new tab)to the Sentebale Polo in 2018.
(Image credit: WPA Pool)
July 9, 2018
For christening of Prince Louis of Cambridge, Meghan wore Ralph Lauren dress, Stephen Jones hat (opens in new tab), and LK Bennett pumps (opens in new tab).
The Duchess and Duke of Sussex with the Queen at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony wearing Prada top and skirt and Aquazzura pumps (opens in new tab).
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.
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