The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been extended an invite to join Harry’s uncle, Charles Spencer for the festive season at Althorp, yet it seems Meghan’s hesitance to return to the UK might disrupt their Christmas arrangements.
An insider revealed that Prince Harry, 40, is eager to celebrate the festive period in Britain with his late mother Princess Diana’s side of the family, but Meghan remains anxious about their safety.
The source disclosed: “Harry is keen for the Sussexes to spend time in the UK this Christmas with family. However, there are still concerns lingering over their security.”
They further added that the duchess’ consistent reluctance to visit the UK serves as a significant challenge amidst ongoing issues, the Express reports.
Meghan Markle’s presence at the Royal Family’s annual Sandringham gathering seems increasingly doubtful, which would come as her first proper visit to the UK since the late Queen’s funeral in 2022.
It’s understood that neither Prince Harry nor Meghan have been extended an invite to join the festivities and insiders believe the couple would likely decline such an offer.
Last Christmas saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex noticeably absent from Sandringham celebrations, and they were also omitted from the Firm’s “summer summit” at Balmoral the previous month. Amidst these developments, the Spencers, which are Princess Diana’s side of the family, have reportedly been offering support to Prince Harry.
Prince Harry recently paid a visit to Althorp House, the ancestral home of the Spencer family and final resting place of his late mother, during his UK trip in August. The Duke stayed with his uncle, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, and the younger brother of Diana, at his estate following the memorial service for Diana’s brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes.
This news comes as Harry has extended his current solo trip abroad without Meghan Markle. A well-placed source revealed that the Duke of Sussex was set to return to California this weekend to reunite with his wife Meghan and their two children, but has decided to extend his solo trip by a few more days.
The source also suggested that the Duke is likely to spend some “private time” in Johannesburg and Cape Town with family and friends. Another secret visit, mysteriously absent from his official diary, is also on the cards.
The source shared: “It’s all very cloak and dagger but Harry has extended his trip abroad by another few days. He’ll likely go to Johannesburg and then to visit family and friends. The Spencers have a home there [in Cape Town] and he has a lot of friends from that part of the world.
“There’s also another trip planned which has been blanked out of his diary and he’s keen to keep it very private.”
Earlier this week, friends of the Sussexes raised concerns about their relationship due to the amount of time the couple were spending apart. Prince Harry has been carrying out several weeks of solo engagements in the United States, United Kingdom and Africa.
The Duke of Sussex met with his old comrade Prince Seeiso of Lesotho recently, passionately discussing Sentebale charity’s achievements around a bonfire. Before heading to South Africa, he made a solitary trip to London for the WellChild awards this year.
Harry did not meet his father, King Charles, or his brother, William, during his quick stopover in the UK. This visit came after another lone journey to New York City for events at the UN General Assembly and Climate Week.
In New York, Prince Harry delivered remarks at The Diana Award panel; the charity was established posthumously in honour of his mother, Princess Diana, who passed away in 1997 aged 36. At the Clinton Global Initiative, he further addressed online safety and urged measures to combat the “pervasive threat” faced by children on the internet.
As Harry continues his trips, Meghan reportedly stays at their Montecito home with Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. Nonetheless, the duchess dazzled on Saturday at the LA Children’s Hospital gala in a vibrant red Carolina Herrera dress.
With Harry’s consistent solo engagements and the apparent separation between the couple, who have been married for six years, friends worry they might be growing apart.
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