Meghan Markle and Prince Harry "Are Not Coming" for Christmas With the Queen, Says Royal Source
The great reunion will have to wait.

Whether or not the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will make the trip back to England for Christmas has been the subject of much debate in recent weeks. But if you were hoping for a big royal family reunion, I'm sorry to say you might have to stop holding your breath.
While Prince Harry may still make the trip over to the U.K. to see his grandmother the Queen amid her health issues, royal sources have told Page Six that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were invited to join the rest of the family at Sandringham this Christmas, but most likely will not.
"There’s a lot that goes into the logistics and the planning of the family Christmas, so of course, staff know that Harry and Meghan are not coming," one source told the outlet. "If they were, they would have communicated it to their family by now."
And I'm sensing a teensy bit of judgment in this next statement: "But this is Her Majesty’s first Christmas without her husband, so one would have hoped they would want to be with her," the source continued.
One theory for the Sussexes' decision to stay in the U.S. for Christmas is that their arrival in the U.K. would make a lot of unwanted noise. "I think everyone understands there will be a frenzy when they both come back to the U.K., but they need to rip the [Band-Aid] off and get on with it," the source counseled.
The Sussexes skipped the big family Christmas in 2019, just before they announced their retirement from royal duties, and in 2020, when they remained in California. However, a source said at the time that they were planning to connect over Zoom for the holidays last year.
Although many royal fans will be disappointed by the couple's decision not to attend the family festivities, I can't help but feel relieved that they won't have to weigh themselves on ancient weighing scales. You win some, you lose some.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Your Hairstylist's Favorite Hair Brand Just Landed at Sephora
The if-you-know-you-know cult classic is going mainstream.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
I Need All of My Lip Products to Come With a Donut Applicator From Now On
I put four viral tinted serums to the test.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Princess Margaret's "Ill-Mannered" Comments to Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mother Often Had "Courtiers Shaking Their Heads"
The late royal was known for her one-liners.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Prince Archie Has Been Learning About His Grandma Princess Diana's Charity Work
Prince Harry shared that his 5-year-old son has become curious about one particular topic.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince Harry Shares an Emotional Update on How He and Meghan Markle Are Coping After Losing Guy
He made the revelation after meeting a 3-year-old service dog named Thorn at the Invictus Games.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Resurrects Her 'Suits' Character With Witty Remark at the Invictus Games 2025
The Duchess of Sussex has not forgotten Rachel Zane's iconic wardrobe choices.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Came Face to Face With a Funko Pop of Himself in a Sweet Moment with Kids at Invictus Games
Small fans, big moment.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Wears Olive Green for a Children's Story Time Event at the Invictus Games 2025
The Duchess of Sussex arrived in a camel coat before revealing her coordinating sweater, skirt, and heels.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle's Latest Outfit Just Solved a 6-Year-Old Royal Fashion Mystery
Her Invictus Games wardrobe includes a previously unidentified designer coat and a baby alpaca trench.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Archie and Lilibet Aren't at the Invictus Games in Canada With Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
Royal experts break down why the little prince and princess have remained at home in California.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Kisses Prince Harry at Invictus Games Event, Says He "Means a Lot" to Her
The Duchess of Sussex even mentioned their "sweet, excited children" in her impromptu speech.
By Amy Mackelden Published