The Duke of Sussex blends royal traditions with modern family moments in sunny Montecito.
Harry’s Christmas celebrations with Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in Montecito stand in stark contrast to his Sandringham holidays as a child. Yet, not all memories of those royal festivities are fond.
In his memoir Spare, Harry recounted receiving a peculiar Christmas gift from his late great-aunt Princess Margaret—a biro pen adorned with a rubber fish. He described the gift as "cold-blooded," reflecting on their strained relationship with a mix of pity and unease.
While he may not pass down such odd traditions, Harry has embraced a blend of royal customs and new practices to create meaningful holidays for his family. Following his departure from royal duties in 2020, the Duke revealed that his first California Christmas was a mix of cherished rituals and fresh twists, fostering a warm and modern festive atmosphere for Archie and Lilibet.
Though far from Sandringham, Harry’s approach to the holidays demonstrates his commitment to building a unique and joyful legacy for his children, while leaving behind the less fondly remembered moments of his own royal childhood.
