Christmas has taken on a more personal and cozy feel for Prince Harry since stepping away from the grand royal celebrations at Sandringham.
Now living in Montecito, California, Harry and Meghan Markle create their own intimate holiday traditions with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Often, their festivities include Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, making it a small but joyful family affair.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Christmas
Recently, Meghan shared a glimpse into what their Christmas might look like. She spoke about a festive meal, lively games, and even a possible singalong, with someone strumming a guitar to set the mood.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward contrasted these modern celebrations with Harry’s earlier Christmases at Sandringham, which she described as a “golden ticket” full of family time and age-old traditions.
“The present opening on Christmas Eve with his extended family and then church and traditional Christmas lunch the next day,” she explained. “Then the Boxing Day pheasant shoot and in between loads of party games and drinking.”
Since marrying Meghan in 2018, Harry has only spent one Christmas at Sandringham.
Over the years, the couple has embraced the festive spirit of their new homeland, making their Montecito residence the heart of their celebrations.
According to sources close to the couple, they enjoy choosing a tree from local sellers and decorating their home with festive lights.
The house is adorned with personal touches, avoiding the trend among wealthy Montecito residents of hiring professionals to do the decorating.
Meghan is said to take pride in doing it herself, including building a gingerbread house—a cherished American tradition.
Meanwhile, back in the UK, the royal family carried on with their traditional Christmas at Sandringham. Although King Charles reportedly wished to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, he refrained from extending an official invitation to Harry and Meghan.
Instead, Harry and Meghan were invited to spend Christmas at Althorp, hosted by Harry’s uncle, Earl Spencer. However, the Sussexes decided to remain in California.
Meghan highlighted the importance of creating lasting holiday memories for Archie and Lilibet at home, including leaving out “carrots for the reindeer” and other small but meaningful traditions.