Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan reportedly won't be spending Christmas 2026 with the royal family at Sandringham. According to several reports, the couple is not expecting an invitation to the traditional royal celebrations and is instead making plans to spend the holidays away from King Charles, Prince William, and the rest of the family.
Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, is expected to join them for the festivities. While both the United Kingdom and California have been mentioned as possible locations, recent reports suggest the couple may have already made their decision.
Harry and Meghan Reportedly Planning Christmas With Doria Ragland
According to multiple reports, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.
Although the United Kingdom was initially considered a possibility, more recent reports suggest the couple has chosen Montecito, California, where they previously lived. Doria reportedly lives about a two-hour drive away.
A quiet celebration at their cottage in Northamptonshire, where the couple is reportedly staying, had also been mentioned as an option.
However, one detail appears consistent across the reports: a Christmas reunion with the royal family is not currently expected.
No Royal Christmas Reunion at Sandringham?
The British royal family traditionally celebrates Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk, gathering for private festivities and attending church services together.
For Harry and Meghan, however, a return to this long-standing tradition appears unlikely this year.
Relations between Harry and his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William, have reportedly remained strained for years.
In 2020, Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working royals and relocated to California. Since then, they have publicly discussed their experiences within the royal family, including in interviews, their 2022 Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, and Harry's 2023 memoir Spare.
Harry and Meghan Set for Nottingham Visit Before Christmas
Before the holiday season, Harry and Meghan are reportedly scheduled to visit three charities in Nottingham that support young people and local communities.
The city holds special significance for the couple. In December 2017, they made their first official public appearance together there following the announcement of their engagement.
Meanwhile, speculation about a possible reconciliation with Prince William and Princess Kate continues, although no breakthrough has been officially confirmed.
For now, reports suggest Harry and Meghan are preparing for a quieter Christmas celebration with their closest family members rather than a traditional royal gathering at Sandringham.
