While Harry and Meghan prepared their home with festive lights and decorated their tree, the royal family gathered at Sandringham for the usual grand celebrations. However, King Charles faced a challenging situation regarding Harry and Meghan’s absence.

Ingrid elaborated: “Back at Sandringham, it was the traditional British Christmas Harry knows so well. King Charles would have loved to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, but inviting Harry and Meghan could have caused tension with the rest of the family. As a result, no official invitation was extended.”

Despite this, Harry and Meghan reportedly received an invitation to spend Christmas at Althorp with Harry’s uncle, Charles Spencer, but chose to remain in California. Meghan explained that it was important for Archie and Lilibet to create “connective memories” of Thanksgiving and Christmas at home, engaging in traditions like leaving carrots for the reindeer.

This year’s celebrations reflect the Sussexes’ evolving holiday traditions, rooted in their new life in California, while highlighting the growing divide between their approach to family gatherings and the customs Harry once cherished in the UK.