Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reportedly planning to spend Christmas in Britain. Now, one insider says the choice is deliberate, and what seems like a quiet plan for the holidays may carry a louder message. The couple reportedly want to offer a picture of royal life that looks nothing like the one around King Charles and the royal family. So what is behind the sudden change of plan?
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry want to build alternate version of royalty this Christmas, per source
Rob Shuter reports that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are planning a British Christmas for the first time in eight years. He argues that the Sussexes hope to send a pointed message to the Royal Family.
According to Shuter’s source, the plan centers on a simpler kind of celebration. Locally sourced food, community carol singing, trips to the pub and quality family time are at its heart. This will be a contrast to the gold-plated ballrooms, lavish banquets, and centuries-old traditions associated with the monarchy.
Shuter says the contrast with the traditional royal Christmas at Sandringham is entirely intentional. His source further said, “They want to be seen as modern, accessible and connected to everyday people.”
Moreover, the timing has also drawn attention. Shuter notes that three weeks earlier, friends of the couple suggested spending Christmas in the UK would feel too awkward, given that no invitation was coming from Sandringham. The pair would instead spend the holidays in Montecito with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
However, reports now suggest that the couple plan to spend the holiday in Britain, with Doria expected to join them. According to an insider, the Sussexes can turn the lack of an invitation into a sympathetic story: “They can turn not being invited into a pity party.”
“The King can have his palaces, gold and traditions. Harry and Meghan can offer something completely different. They want people comparing the two,” added the insider.
Shuter concludes that the Sussexes appear set on creating an alternative of their own rooted in modern royalty rather than chasing a seat at the King’s Christmas table.