Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated Christmas in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking a stark departure from the traditional royal festivities across the Atlantic.

In the past, Christmas for Prince Harry meant a large family gathering steeped in royal traditions. However, since his marriage to Meghan Markle, the couple has spent recent holiday seasons quietly at their Montecito home in California. Their celebrations have been intimate, with Meghan’s mother, Doria, as the only relative joining them. During a recent outing, Meghan hinted at their Christmas plans, mentioning a festive meal, games, and a singalong with a guitar.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward highlighted the contrast between Harry’s former Christmases at Sandringham and his current holiday traditions. She explained: “Christmas at Sandringham was like a ‘golden ticket’ for Harry, with presents opened on Christmas Eve, church on Christmas morning, and a traditional lunch followed by Boxing Day pheasant shooting, party games, and drinks.”

Since his marriage in 2018, Harry has only celebrated one Christmas at Sandringham, the same year he wed Meghan. Instead, the couple has embraced the “happy holidays” traditions of California. Meghan reportedly decorates their home herself, eschewing professional decorators often hired by Montecito’s wealthy residents, and makes gingerbread houses, following American holiday customs.

While Harry and Meghan prepared their home with festive lights and decorated their tree, the royal family gathered at Sandringham for the usual grand celebrations. However, King Charles faced a challenging situation regarding Harry and Meghan’s absence.

Ingrid elaborated: “Back at Sandringham, it was the traditional British Christmas Harry knows so well. King Charles would have loved to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, but inviting Harry and Meghan could have caused tension with the rest of the family. As a result, no official invitation was extended.”

Despite this, Harry and Meghan reportedly received an invitation to spend Christmas at Althorp with Harry’s uncle, Charles Spencer, but chose to remain in California. Meghan explained that it was important for Archie and Lilibet to create “connective memories” of Thanksgiving and Christmas at home, engaging in traditions like leaving carrots for the reindeer.

This year’s celebrations reflect the Sussexes’ evolving holiday traditions, rooted in their new life in California, while highlighting the growing divide between their approach to family gatherings and the customs Harry once cherished in the UK.