Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have chosen to spend a quiet Christmas in Montecito with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This decision comes as a deliberate exclusion of Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, from their holiday festivities. Sources close to the couple have revealed that this choice is a continuation of their boundary around the Duchess’ family estrangement and reflects their careful management of the holiday season.
The couple, who have had a busy year attending events like Prince Harry’s Invictus Games in Canada and working on Meghan’s Netflix specials, have opted for a more intimate holiday at their California home. However, they will be joined by Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. A source shared that for Harry and Meghan, Christmas is about creating happiness and family memories for their children. They have no intention of revisiting past conflicts or involving those who have caused pain. Their priority is to make the holiday memorable for Archie and Lilibet.
The source also mentioned that Meghan’s estrangement from her father will remain firmly in place over Christmas. She has set clear boundaries, ensuring that her father and other estranged family members will not be included in their celebrations. This low-key celebration contrasts with the couple’s plans for New Year’s, where they intend to travel abroad with friends. But for Christmas, they are prioritizing home, tradition, and privacy.
Harry has previously written about their first Christmas in Montecito with Markle and Archie, where they bought a Christmas tree and celebrated with friends. Keeping to the Windsor family tradition, they opened presents and enjoyed the festive season. Markle has also expressed her love for the holiday season in interviews, especially now that her children are old enough to understand and enjoy the celebrations.
In her new holiday special for Netflix, “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration,” Meghan showcased her hands-on approach to Christmas, from cooking to crafting personalized crackers. She shared her personal touches for her children over the holidays, making sure to cater to their individual preferences. The couple’s focus on privacy, tradition, and togetherness is evident in their festive plans.
Meghan also constructed homemade advent calendars for the 24 days leading up to Christmas Day, including chocolates and handwritten notes for her children. The holidays are about togetherness and making lasting memories, and Harry and Meghan are entirely focused on ensuring their children have that experience this year. Their commitment to creating a warm and memorable holiday season for their family reflects their values and priorities as parents.
