Meghan Markle Wanted to Make Sure the Sussexes' First Christmas in California Was "Special for Everyone"
A source close to the royal family told People that Meghan Markle wanted to make Prince Harry's first Christmas in California special.
- This year, for the second time, Prince Harry missed Christmas with the royal family and spent the holiday in North America with his wife, Meghan Markle, and son, Archie Harrison.
- The celebration marked the first time Harry, Meghan, and Archie have spent Christmas together in their new home in Montecito, California.
- A source close to the Sussexes told People that Meghan really wanted to make sure the first holiday season in California was "special for everyone" and that the family focused on "creating their own traditions at their new home."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had to miss the royal family's traditional Christmas this year, so they've focused on starting their own new traditions with their son, Archie Harrison.
According to a source close to the royals, the Sussex family has been making the most of their bonding time a their new home in Montecito, California. This year marks the second year in a row that Harry has spent the Christmas holidays away from the royal family and in North America. Last year, Harry, Meghan, and Archie traveled to Canada for an extended break and family time during the holidays before announcing the plans for their royal exit.
This year, of course, the Sussexes are settling into their new lives and figuring out what the holidays will look like for their family for years to come.
"It's Harry's second Christmas away from England, and Meghan wants to make sure it's special for everyone," a royal insider told People. "They are creating their own traditions at their new home."
One of those traditions, apparently, has been decorating as a family.
"They both love Christmas and have been decorating with Archie," a source told People previously.
Harry and Meghan gave royal fans a glimpse into their family's new home with their Christmas card, which they shared publicly on Wednesday. The card is an illustration of Harry, Meghan, Archie, and their two dogs, Pula and Guy, and was created based on a photo Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland, took of the family.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"The original photo of the family was taken at their home earlier this month by The Duchess’s mother," a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said. "The small Christmas tree, including the homemade ornaments and other decorations, were selected by Archie, and the tree will be replanted after the holidays."
Subscribe here with the code HOLIDAY50 to save 50%
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. 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.
-
Prince William Reveals Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Can Be Bribed With This "Currency"
The royals received some adorable gifts at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
-
'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Brings the Dark Sides of Trad Wife Culture to Light
The Hulu reality series doesn't shy from showing women's issues often ignored by conservative circles.
-
Katie Holmes Joins Kylie Jenner to Redeem an Understated Shoe Trend
The time has finally come.
-
Meghan Markle Says Life as a Working Royal Mom Wasn't How She "Envisioned It"
"I was like, 'Oh gosh I'm going to give a speech with a baby on my hip.'"
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Photographer Reveals Unseen Photo—and How He Wrangled the Royal Kids
Somebody had to call in the bribes.
-
Lip Reader Shares the Hilarious Comment Prince Harry Allegedly Made While Waiting for Meghan Markle to Arrive at Their 2018 Royal Wedding
The Duke of Sussex's anxiety seemed pretty evident.
-
Former Royal Staffer Reveals How Queen Elizabeth "Worked Closely" on One Aspect of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Day
The late Queen shared her expertise when it came to a touching tradition.
-
I Tried Meghan Markle's Wedding Makeup and These Two Products Have Changed My Beauty Routine Forever
Use these royal beauty essentials every day or down the aisle.
-
Meghan Markle Shares Never-Before-Seen Photos of Her "Love Story" With Prince Harry to Celebrate Seventh Wedding Anniversary
"Love wins."
-
The "Disapproving" Comment Queen Elizabeth Allegedly Made at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Wedding
According to a royal expert, the late monarch had some thoughts about Meghan's wedding gown.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Broke the Same Tradition as King Charles and Queen Camilla's Ceremony
It made the day much more in line with the average wedding.