‘Made a Huge Move With Zero Results’: Critics Blast Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as Sandringham Reunion Hangs in Doubt
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could reportedly skip the royal family’s traditional Sandringham celebrations. They aren’t waiting for an invitation to join King Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
“They know it would be too awkward and too difficult. They also know they’re not going to be invited, and they’re not waiting for an invitation,” a source told The Sunday Times. Last week, a palace insider told Page Six, “There is a hierarchy and the King is the CEO, he’s the boss — what he says go, so it’s better not to put themselves in any difficult position.”
The couple reportedly plans to spend Christmas with Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland. According to People, the family could travel to California, where Ragland lives. Harry and Markle last spent Christmas with the royal family in 2018.
They joined Queen Elizabeth II, William, and Middleton for the traditional Christmas Day church service at Sandringham. Markle was pregnant with Prince Archie at the time. The couple hasn’t celebrated Christmas with the royals since.
These reports follow claims that Harry and Markle disagreed over where to spend Christmas this year. According to a source who spoke to Closer, the couple was “not on the same page” about their plans. The source claimed Markle wanted to return to California around Thanksgiving. She reportedly wanted to stay there through Christmas.
“Meghan loves Thanksgiving and all the traditions, but Christmas at home with the kids is really special to her,” the source alleged. “She would like to be home for it.” However, Harry is reportedly “very much against that.” He would like the family to “stay put at least until Spring.”
Now, critics have mocked the couple’s reported holiday arrangements. One commentator wrote, “Here’s an idea, grab Elon and head to Mars. Lol.” Another added, “It’s hard to pass up Christmas with palm trees and chickens! (Sarcasm intended).”
Some users also raised concerns about Archie and Princess Lilibet growing up away from their British relatives. “Hard for Archie and Lili to get to know their UK family if they are never invited to the gatherings. The Markels made a huge move with zero results,” one user wrote.
Harry has also spoken about balancing work with family life. In his MasterClass, Redefining Grief: Building Resilience Through Loss, he said being with his family, especially his kids, brings him “energy” and “joy and happiness.” He also finds fulfillment in being on the ground for his work.
The Duke explained that the key to maintaining this balance is spending “no more than 10 days away” from his wife and children. Meanwhile, Harry and Markle are preparing for a joint visit to Nottingham on Thursday, October 15. They plan to visit a food bank, the Community Recording Studio, and Epic Partners.
The latter organizations support young people through community programs, mentoring, and sports. The trip will mark their first joint public engagements since returning to the U.K. in August. The couple has spent recent weeks helping Archie and Lilibet settle into their new home and school.
