This Christmas, the royal family’s holiday gathering at Sandringham will look a little different, with some familiar faces missing from the guest list, while new ones will be joining the festivities.
According to reports, King Charles is planning a grand celebration this year, likely as a way to lift the spirits of his family after a challenging period marked by health battles, including the cancer struggles of his daughter-in-law, Princess Katherine.
One notable absence, however, will be Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The couple, who have been estranged from the royal family, reportedly did not receive an invitation to spend Christmas with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
This has led to speculation about their holiday plans. Sources indicate that the Sussexes may instead be heading to Princess Diana’s childhood home in Althorp, or possibly spending the season in Montecito, California, where they now reside.
King Charles, however, is reportedly planning a lavish Christmas party at Sandringham, expected to host around 100 guests. A traditional buffet will feature a roast with all the trimmings, and the ballroom will be filled with royals and guests from various branches of the family. Among the expected attendees are Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Queen Camilla is also said to be inviting a number of her own family members, including her son Tom Parker Bowles and his children, as well as her daughter Laura Lopes, who will attend with her children.
As for Prince Harry and Meghan, it appears unlikely that they will join the royal family this Christmas. Sources close to the family suggest that the couple’s continued estrangement, compounded by the ongoing tensions surrounding their claims of racism within the royal household, means there is little chance of reconciliation this holiday season.