Why The Royal Family Will Not Reunite For Christmas
No giant Christmas dinner this year.


- The royal family will spend Christmas apart (opens in new tab) this year, People reports.
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry (opens in new tab) will celebrate in Montecito with Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland.
- Kate Middleton and Prince William (opens in new tab) will head to Anmer Hall, while the Queen and Prince Philip could travel to the Sandringham Estate or remain at Windsor Castle.
The British royal family might have to settle for a Christmas dinner over Zoom this year. As People reports (opens in new tab), the royals are likely to celebrate the holiday apart, largely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the magazine, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will spend Christmas with Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland, and baby Archie in Montecito; Kate Middleton, Prince William, and the Cambridge kids will celebrate at Anmer Hall in Norfolk; while the Queen and Prince Philip will either stay at Windsor Castle or head to the Sandringham Estate.
Meghan and Harry will celebrate their first Christmas in their U.S. family home, People reports, in their new neighborhood of Montecito, California. As for Kate and William, a source told the magazine they "are waiting to hear [about U.K. government guidelines] just like everyone else" to determine whether they can visit the Queen. The source added, "The children miss their great-granny, but it's the same rules for them as everyone."
Earlier this week, the British government announced that up to three households can meet indoors from December 23 to 27, as the BBC reports (opens in new tab), which means the Cambridges could potentially meet with the monarch. But that depends on where the Queen and Philip decide to spend the holiday: If they opt for Sandringham, they'll be just two miles away from Anmer Hall, but meeting up might be trickier if they continue to isolate at Windsor.
Still, a former royal staffer told People that the Queen might appreciate a scaled-down celebration after a difficult year for the royal family. "She might want a rest—you never know," the insider said. "She might be happier for a quieter household this year."
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
'Stranger Things' Season 4 Volume 2: Everything We Know
The show's fourth season will end with two new episodes in July.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Moms Deserve Better. Willow® Is Determined to Help Them Feel Supported
When babies are born, everyone focuses on them. But a mother needs support too.
By Sponsored
-
Brow Lamination: What You Really Need to Know About the Treatment
Brow lamination = like a perm, but for your eyebrows.
By Samantha Holender
-
Prince William Is a "Gentle Soul" Like Princess Diana Was, Astrologer Says
It bodes well for his reign.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton's Friends Say Relationship Trouble Rumors Are Totally Unfounded
They're all good, tyvm.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Has "Built William's Confidence," Body Language Expert Says
At 40, Prince William is more confident than ever.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Follows in Princess Diana's Footsteps as He Raises Awareness for Homelessness
He sold a magazine on the street to raise funds.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Charles and the Queen Share a Bunch of Throwback Pics of Prince William on His 40th Birthday
Cute cute cute!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Duchess Camilla Opened Up About Her Marriage to Prince Charles Not Always Being "Easy"
She posed for Vogue for the first time.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie Shared Adorable New Pics of Baby August and "Best Dada" Jack Brooksbank
Soooo pure.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Once Told Princess Diana He Wanted to Be a Policeman So He "Could Protect Her," Royal Author Says
She leaned on him for support.
By Iris Goldsztajn