Meghan Markle to Face Christmas with Only Her Mother Amid Family Rift
(© STEVE PARSONS/Getty)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are preparing for a cozy Christmas celebration in Montecito, California, with their children Archie and Lilibet, as well as Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. However, according to a recent report, the festive season brings mixed emotions for the Duke of Sussex as he reflects on spending yet another Christmas away from his father, King Charles, and the rest of the royal family.
An insider shared with OK! Magazine that Harry finds it “sad” to mark the holiday without his close relatives. “Meghan only has her mum, as there’s almost zero chance of a reconciliation between her and her dad,” the source noted, referencing the strained relationship between Meghan and her father, Thomas Markle.
Despite the absence of extended family, the couple remains excited about creating special holiday memories with their children. “Christmas is Meghan’s favorite time of year,” the insider revealed. “She loves seeing everyone over for Thanksgiving, and then they are in full-on countdown mode for Christmas.”
This year feels particularly significant for the Sussex family as Archie and Lilibet, now older, fully understand and embrace the holiday spirit. “Both children fully ‘get it’—they’ve been talking about Santa and Christmas for weeks,” the insider said. Harry, too, is cherishing these moments with his young family.
“He is very excited and loves seeing how excited Archie and Lilibet are getting,” the source added. “He sometimes can’t believe how lucky he is to have them.” While the festivities in Montecito promise warmth and joy, Harry’s reflections on his royal ties underscore the emotional complexities of the couple’s life away from the UK.
Their strained relationship with the royal family continues to shape their new traditions in California, blending bittersweet moments with gratitude for their immediate family. This Christmas, Harry and Meghan’s focus will be on building lasting memories with their children, even as they navigate the absence of their extended families.
