Prince Harry is said to be experiencing feelings of loneliness as the holiday season approaches, marking the sixth Christmas he will spend away from his family in the UK. With plans to remain in the United States, where he resides with his wife Meghan Markle, and their two children, Harry is reportedly torn over not celebrating with the Royal Family.
Former royal correspondent Emily Andrews discussed Harry’s situation in Woman, explaining, “Prince Harry is keen to spend the Christmas holidays in the UK with his wife and children — but Meghan wants to stay in the US.” This difference in holiday plans has made the season a challenging time for Harry, who, Andrews suggests, may be feeling “rather lonely and estranged from his Windsor relatives.”
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the Royal Family’s traditional gathering at Sandringham. According to Andrews, “All the royals will gather at Sandringham in December, and I’m told that all the cousins, such as Eugenie, Beatrice, Zara, and Peter Phillips, all look forward to the fun.” The cousins’ close-knit festivities at Sandringham reflect a long-standing tradition, adding to the bittersweet emotions Harry may feel as he misses out on familiar family celebrations.
Prince Harry’s departure from the Royal Family in 2020 was a pivotal moment. He and Meghan made the difficult decision to step back from royal duties, moving to California to establish a new life with their son, Archie. Their decision followed accusations that certain members of the Royal Family had shown discriminatory attitudes, particularly toward their son. The couple shared their grievances publicly, which further strained relationships with the family. Since then, they have welcomed their daughter, Lilibet, to California, where they are raising their children away from the royal spotlight.
The Sussexes’ life in California has allowed them to pursue independent projects and focus on their family, but it has also placed physical and emotional distance between Harry and the UK. Though Meghan is reportedly more inclined to stay stateside during the holidays, Harry’s wish to reconnect with family traditions and spend Christmas in the UK reflects an enduring bond with his heritage.
While Harry is navigating his new life, the holidays highlight the complexities of his decision to leave the Royal Family, as well as the pull of tradition and family connections. As his cousins and other family members gather in Sandringham, Harry’s absence may feel especially pronounced, both to him and to his extended family.
For now, Prince Harry’s Christmas will likely be spent in California with Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet, balancing their own traditions with the memories of family gatherings back in the UK. As he reflects on his choices and the relationships he left behind, the holiday season brings both the joy of his growing family and the poignant reminder of family ties separated by distance and circumstance.