Monarch Avoids Awkwardness by Not Forcing Sussexes to Join Sandringham Festivities
King Charles has been commended for his “wise decision” regarding Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, opting not to pressure the California-based family to join the royal festivities at Sandringham this Christmas.
According to a royal insider, the 76-year-old monarch “would have loved” to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, but chose not to extend a formal invitation to avoid discomfort for all parties. “It wasn’t a snub,” the source explained. “It was an act of love and understanding, allowing Harry and Meghan to celebrate in a way that felt comfortable for them.”
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward echoed the sentiment, stating, “King Charles knew inviting Harry and Meghan could create awkwardness for the rest of the family. His decision reflects his patience in working toward repairing the fractured relationships.”
Instead, Harry and Meghan embraced their own traditions, celebrating Christmas at their Montecito home with their children and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. The couple has largely adopted the “happy holidays” style of celebrations favoured in the U.S.
While Harry cherishes his memories of traditional Christmases at Sandringham—complete with present opening on Christmas Eve, church services, and Boxing Day pheasant shoots—he has chosen a different path for his own family’s celebrations.
King Charles’s approach, coupled with his meaningful Christmas Day message, is seen by many as a quiet gesture of goodwill, leaving the door open for future reconciliation with the Sussexes.
