A Royal Christmas Exclusion: Harry and Meghan Face Holiday Snub

As the holiday season approaches, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle find themselves on the outside looking in, facing a potential royal Christmas snub.

According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, the couple has not been invited to join the rest of the royal family at Sandringham for their traditional holiday celebrations.

This absence marks a significant departure from a cherished custom upheld by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Fitzwilliams expressed that the very idea of Harry and Meghan attending Christmas festivities is unsettling for many family members.

He noted that the atmosphere would hardly be relaxing if the Sussexes were present, suggesting that their participation could disrupt the holiday spirit.

Should Harry and Meghan opt to stay away from the UK again this year, it would mark the sixth consecutive Christmas they spend apart from the royals.

The couple's last visit to Sandringham was back in December 2018, shortly after their wedding.

In an effort to celebrate their son Archie's first Christmas in 2019, they chose to travel to Vancouver Island instead.

By the following year, they had relocated to the United States, where they currently reside in the idyllic Montecito, California.

In a recent discussion with GB News, Charlotte Griffiths, the editor-at-large for the Mail on Sunday, speculated that if Harry were to visit the UK for Christmas, he would likely do so alone.

She suggested that Meghan might not accompany him, as she doubts that he would receive a warm welcome.

Griffiths even mentioned the possibility of Harry spending the holiday in Portugal, making a brief stop to see family while reflecting on Sandringham.

The tension surrounding the Sussexes' potential Christmas absence comes amidst other controversies involving Prince Harry and his uncle, Prince Andrew.

Both men have faced embarrassment recently due to the removal of their remembrance wreaths, which were taken down by the Poppy Factory in Richmond, London.

This incident has sparked considerable debate, particularly because both princes had previously laid wreaths in honor of fallen soldiers during Remembrance Sunday ceremonies.

The Poppy Factory confirmed that Harry's wreath, valued at approximately £1,000, is no longer part of their collection.

A source revealed that the factory decided to remove Harry's wreath along with duplicates, reflecting a broader shift in royal dynamics following the men's withdrawal from their official roles.

The decision to exclude their wreaths from displays has raised eyebrows, especially given their military backgrounds.

Harry and Andrew's removal from the Poppy Factory's displays highlights the ongoing consequences of their choices to step back from royal duties.

While other senior royals, including King Charles and Princes William and Edward, continue to participate in ceremonies, Harry and Andrew's absence has drawn mixed reactions from the public and media alike.

Despite living in California, Harry has maintained a connection to Remembrance Day, commemorating the occasion privately with his family.

He has been seen wearing a poppy during public appearances in the U.S., notably during a visit to San Diego last year.

However, the removal of his wreath adds another layer of complexity to his already strained relationship with the royal family.

Prince Andrew's situation is equally complicated, having faced public scrutiny following his association with convicted s offender Jeffrey Epstein.

His exclusion from remembrance displays underscores the ongoing distancing from royal events since stepping down from duties in 2019.

While Harry continues to make public appearances, Andrew remains largely out of the limelight.

The removal of their wreaths serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of the royal family and how personal choices can impact public perception.

For Harry, particularly, the loss of a symbol representing his military service raises questions about his identity within the royal framework.

As the holiday season unfolds, the Sussexes' absence from royal celebrations and the wreath controversy highlight the ongoing tensions between personal decisions and royal traditions.

With younger members of the family, like William and Catherine, stepping into more prominent roles, the legacy of Harry and Andrew's past involvement continues to cast a shadow over their current lives.

This complex interplay between their royal heritage and newfound independence illustrates the challenges they face as they navigate their identities outside the monarchy.

The upcoming Christmas season may not just be a time for celebration but also a moment of reflection on the paths they have chosen.