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Rod Stewart Expresses Disappointment Over Harry and Meghan’s Christmas Plans
Renowned singer Sir Rod Stewart has voiced his disappointment over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision not to spend Christmas with Queen Elizabeth II.
The Royal Variety Performance, marking its 109th anniversary this year, is set to be a star-studded event with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in attendance.
Scheduled to air on ITV1 on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at 7.20pm, the show aims to raise funds for the Royal Variety Charity, providing support to individuals in the entertainment industry.
Among the lineup of performers for this year's event are music icons such as Ed Sheeran, James Blunt, Gregory Porter, and Elvis Costello, alongside the legendary Sir Rod Stewart.
With a remarkable career that includes selling over 250 million records worldwide, Sir Rod is a true British music icon.
Notably, in 2019, he openly criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for opting to spend Christmas away from the UK.
Expressing his sentiments, Sir Rod emphasized the importance of family during the festive season, stating, “The Queen is 93.
I flew round the world to be with my mum and dad at Christmas because I knew they didn't have many left.
I was disappointed Harry and Meghan decided not to spend Christmas with the Queen.”
Instead, the royal couple chose to celebrate the holidays with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, in a break from their previous Sandringham traditions.
In light of the ongoing pandemic and the couple's decision to step back from royal duties, this year's Christmas plans for the royal family remain uncertain.
The Queen's pre-Christmas dinner has been canceled amidst concerns over the Omicron variant, echoing last year's disruptions due to Covid-19.
Despite the challenges, Sir Rod Stewart continues to spread joy through his performances, recently captivating audiences at the Nordoff Robins Christmas Carol service in London.
As the holiday season approaches, the traditional Christmas Day walkabout at Sandringham Estate faces potential cancellation to prevent the risk of Covid transmission.
With fears of the Omicron variant spreading, the royal family is expected to limit public access to the estate grounds, where crowds typically gather to greet the monarch and her family.
While Buckingham Palace affirms ongoing discussions regarding the Queen's Christmas arrangements, precautions are being taken to safeguard the well-being of all involved.
Reflecting on past Christmas memories, Sir Rod shared a humorous anecdote about gifting Elton John a pop-up fridge, showcasing the camaraderie among music legends during the festive period.
As uncertainties loom over this year's celebrations, the spirit of togetherness and resilience remains prevalent, underscoring the importance of adapting to evolving circumstances.
Despite the challenges faced, the holiday season serves as a reminder of the enduring values of unity and compassion within the royal family and beyond.