Meghan Markle has hinted at her family’s festive plans, revealing the ‘magical’ Christmas traditions she and Prince Harry have with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
Since their move to the US after stepping back from Royal duties in the UK, the Sussexes have celebrated each holiday season in California, away from the traditional Royal gathering at Sandringham.
While it remains unconfirmed, it appears unlikely that the couple will return to the UK for Christmas, choosing instead to stay in California. Meghan discussed the Sussex family’s Christmas during a special dinner she hosted for Afghan women who had resettled in California, supported by the Welcome Project, an initiative Meghan backs.
The event took place before Thanksgiving, which marks the beginning of the festive period in America. Speaking to Marie Claire magazine at the dinner, Meghan expressed her love for the holidays and shared her excitement about celebrating with Archie, aged five, and three year old Lilibet, saying, “every year it gets better”.
She elaborated: “At first, I think as a mom with children you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet. But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year.”
Meghan has opened up about her family’s Christmas traditions, saying: “Like any other family you spend time having a great meal and then what do you do? Play games, all the same stuff, someone brings a guitar-fun.”
She also emphasised the importance of creating holiday memories for Archie and Lilibet, including sharing Thanksgiving recipes and leaving carrots out for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, across the pond, the Royal Family is set to gather at Sandringham in Norfolk for their festive celebrations, which include the traditional Christmas Day church service and a seasonal feast.
Following the Queen’s passing, King Charles has continued the tradition of hosting the family gathering.
It remains unclear if Harry and Meghan have received an invite this year, but even if they have, there’s a significant hurdle that could prevent their attendance. Reports from The Telegraph suggest that the Sussexes would only consider returning to the UK if Prince Harry can successfully challenge a Home Office decision denying him automatic police protection while in Britain.
Without this security assurance, Harry reportedly feels unable to bring Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet to his home country.
Harry has been embroiled in legal proceedings against the February 2020 decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), after being informed he would no longer receive the “same degree” of publicly-funded security while in the UK. The court heard that Harry is concerned his children, Archie and Lilibet, cannot “feel at home” in Britain if their safety cannot be assured.
In a written submission from an earlier hearing, Harry expressed: “It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020. The UK is my home.”
He continued, “The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home, as much as where they live at the moment in the United States. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil. I cannot put my wife in danger like that and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too.”
Although Harry’s initial claim was dismissed earlier this year, he has secured permission to challenge the ruling.
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