The relationship between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan to the rest of the royal house was last considered as scratched. The 35-year-old had recently spoken unusually open about it. In an interview with ITV, he said during an African trip to Prince William that there are good and bad days between brothers.
Now, Meghan and Harry have taken another unusual step for the British royal family. The two announced that they want to celebrate their first Christmas with Baby Archie only in a small circle instead of as usual with Queen Elizabeth II.
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Christmas without the Queen: Traditions are breakingThe young family will spend the holidays in contrast to the two previous years, not at the manor Sandringham, but with Duchess Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, said a spokeswoman for the two. Where the family wants to spend this time, she did not comment and referred to security reasons.
British media also cited an opinion from Buckingham Palace. It says: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to a long time with the family."
Time with the family from the end of November
Usually, the royal family spends the holidays with the Queen in Sandringham. The royals always attend the service together in the church of St. Mary Magdalene there. Even Harry's older brother William and his wife Kate had already spent Christmas at Kate's parents instead of in Sandringham.
But Prince Harrys and Duchess Meghan's solo effort in 2019 is surprising, at least for one reason: In 2017, when she was not yet married to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle had celebrated Christmas among the royal family. Last year, however, there was already speculation about whether the two should actually spend the entire party with the extended family. Questionable was Prince Harry's participation in the traditional hunt, as Meghan advocates animal welfare.
At least for the current decision of the two Queen Elizabeth II expresses understanding.