Prince Harry and Meghan Markle intend to celebrate the upcoming holidays in California with their children. This choice means they will miss the traditional Royal Family gathering at Sandringham.
The 1870 Sandringham tradition the Sussexes are skpping
The decision to remain in the United States means Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not participate in a holiday custom established by Edward VII in 1870. According to the Daily Mail, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are attempting to "keep their heads down" leading up to the festive season, opting for the privacy of their Montecito residence over the public and familial pressures of the Norfolk estate.
This absence is particularly notable given the recent attempts at reconciliation. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did see King Charles III and Queen Camilla in person this past July at Highgrove, marking the first such meeting in four years. However, the choice to avoid Sandringham suggests that while small steps have been taken, the structural rift within the House of Windsor remains largely intact.
Doria Ragland's two-hour drive to Montecito
The Sussexes' holiday plans prioritize the immediate family circle in California, specifically the bond between the children and their maternal grandmother. Doria Ragland, who is 70 years old , lives in a bungalow within a wealthy Los Angeles residential district locaetd less than a two-hour drive from the Montecito mansion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
By spending the holidays in California, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet can maintain their close relationship with Ms. Ragland, who has been a central figure in their lives since the couple relocated to America in 2020. the couple may also spend time with Victoria Jackson, a cosmetics entrepreneur and close friend who resides in the same celebrity enclave.
The $148 advent calendar and the As Ever brand
While distancing themselves from royal traditions, Meghan Markle is leaning into her own commercial ventures. last week, the Duchess launched a luxury $148 (£112) Christmas advent calendar under her As Ever brand, which features an illustration of the couple's Montecito home.
The limited-edition product was developed in collaboration with the Los Angeles-based chocolatier Compartes. As the report says, Meghan Markle shared an Instagram story showing her with Compartes CEO Jonathan Grahm, noting that her Christmas planning began as early as June. Notably, this product is designed for US customers and is not available for delivery to the United Kingdom.
The disputed 'sit-down chat' with Prince William and Kate
The couple's current relationship with the monarchy remains clouded by conflicting reports and unresolved grievances. While the Express reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seeking a "sit-down chat" with Prince William and Kate, a source cited by the Daily Mail has since claimed that this information was false.
Further complicating the dynamic is the couple's stance on their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview. During that broadcast,Meghan Markle alleged that an unnamed royal had expressed concerns regarding the skin tone of Prince Archie.. Despite reports that an apology was being planned, a source now claims the Sussexes have no intention of apologizing for those claims, leaving the path to a full reconciliation with the Prince of Wales and the King uncertain.
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