Duke and Duchess of Sussex Opt for a Quiet Celebration at Home
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a heartfelt decision regarding their Christmas plans, declining an invitation to spend the holidays in the UK amidst ongoing security concerns and family tensions.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly invited to join the Spencer family at Althorp, the estate where Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, grew up. However, the couple turned down the offer. According to a source who spoke to Closer magazine, Harry and Meghan prioritised staying home in Montecito with their children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, to ensure a “joyful” and safe holiday.
“There hasn’t been an invitation extended to join the royal family at Sandringham this year,” the insider noted, adding that even if there had been, the Sussexes would likely have declined.
The decision follows a recent break-in at Windsor Castle, where two masked men stole farm vehicles from a gate near Prince William’s Adelaide Cottage while his family slept. The incident reignited Harry’s longstanding concerns about royal security, fears he has openly expressed in interviews.
Harry, who has previously stayed in hotels during UK visits due to inadequate security measures at royal properties, has stated he won’t travel with his family to the UK until these issues are resolved. “It’s still dangerous, and all it takes is one lone actor... whether it’s a knife or acid,” Harry said during an ITV interview, explaining the genuine concerns he harbours.
The Duke is set to take his legal battle with the UK Home Office over the right to pay for private security to court in January 2025, a case that underscores his ongoing commitment to protecting his family.
While reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family remains uncertain, Harry and Meghan’s decision reflects their focus on safety and prioritising their immediate family’s well-being this holiday season.
