As the holiday season approaches, interest in how Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will celebrate remains high. Since stepping back from senior royal roles in 2020, the couple have spent most holidays privately, often at their home in Montecito, California. While media speculation frequently circulates about whether they will return to the United Kingdom for Christmas, only publicly confirmed information can be reported responsibly. This article provides a clear, verified, and SEO-optimized overview centered on facts supported by reputable sources.
Recent Engagements Between Prince Harry and King Charles
In September 2024, several major news organizations—including BBC News and The Guardian—verified that Prince Harry and King Charles had a brief meeting in London. The meeting occurred while Harry was in the United Kingdom for events related to the Invictus Games Foundation. Buckingham Palace confirmed the King’s schedule included several private meetings that week, though the Palace did not release details about their conversation, in line with standard royal protocol.
Media reports noted that it was the first known meeting between the two in more than a year, highlighting a moment of personal contact during a period of otherwise limited public interaction. However, no official statements have indicated plans regarding Christmas or holiday gatherings.
Because royal holiday invitations are never announced publicly, and the Palace rarely comments on private family events, no verified information currently confirms whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to travel to the UK for Christmas in 2024.
Meghan Markle’s Approach to Holiday Planning
Meghan Markle has often spoken publicly about her preference for thoughtful holiday planning. In past interviews—including those related to her cookbook projects and her former lifestyle website—she has emphasized the importance of organization, seasonal cooking, and family-centered traditions.
There is no official record regarding Meghan’s feelings about potential travel to the United Kingdom for this year’s holiday season. Reports citing unnamed “insiders,” “friends,” or “sources” cannot be verified and are therefore excluded from this article. Instead, what is publicly known comes from statements that Meghan and Harry have shared through their spokespersons or through their Archewell Foundation updates.
In general, their approach to holidays tends to focus on building traditions with their two children—Archie and Lilibet—in California, where they have lived since 2020.
Changes to the Royal Family’s Christmas Attendance in Recent Years
Christmas at Sandringham, hosted by the monarch, has long been a royal tradition. Attendance each year can vary, and in the past, different family members have alternated holiday plans.
In 2022 and 2023, reputable news outlets such as BBC, AP News, and Sky News confirmed that various members of the extended royal family—including Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Sarah, Duchess of York—attended or opted for private celebrations. The specific guest list typically depends on personal schedules, health considerations, and travel commitments.
For 2024, however, no official information has been released regarding which royals will or will not attend Sandringham. Therefore, this article avoids speculation about attendance.
Meghan and Harry’s Confirmed Thanksgiving Focus on Family Traditions
While Christmas plans remain private, there is publicly verifiable information about Meghan and Harry’s approach to Thanksgiving this year. A recent update from Meghan’s lifestyle brand shared a glimpse into their seasonal preparations, emphasizing homegrown ingredients and family-centered cooking.
According to that newsletter:
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The couple plans to celebrate at home in Montecito.
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Meghan highlighted the use of produce from their garden, including herbs and seasonal vegetables.
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The update described creating a warm, home-style meal, which aligns with previous public comments Meghan has made about cooking and seasonal traditions.
These details reflect the couple’s broader focus on building their own holiday customs as a family of four. The newsletter did not reference any royal events or travel plans but focused entirely on lifestyle content and home celebration ideas.
Holiday Traditions Built in California
Since relocating to California, Prince Harry and Meghan have spoken in various interviews about prioritizing meaningful time with their children. Verified public appearances and statements show that the couple often incorporate:
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Outdoor family activities, taking advantage of the California climate
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Cooking at home, with both Meghan and Harry mentioning preparing meals together
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Quiet celebrations, emphasizing privacy after years of public scrutiny
The couple’s Montecito home includes gardens, fruit trees, and outdoor spaces that they have referenced in multiple public-facing projects, suggesting an environment suited to relaxed, family-focused holidays.
These details have been confirmed through their public interviews with platforms such as NPR, Spotify, and various charitable organizations, as well as information shared on the Archewell Foundation website.
Balancing Private Life and Public Interest
Since stepping back from royal duties, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have navigated life as public figures while simultaneously choosing greater privacy for their family. Official royal events, such as Christmas at Sandringham, remain private matters to which the couple is not obligated to attend, and Buckingham Palace rarely comments on invitations or family-specific plans.
What can be said based on verified information is that:
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Prince Harry continues to maintain his charitable commitments, including those connected to the Invictus Games.
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Meghan has re-engaged publicly with creative and philanthropic projects.
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Their family has built new traditions independent of royal schedules.
These confirmed details provide a factual foundation for understanding how they approach the holiday season each year.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Holiday Season
As of now, neither the Sussexes nor Buckingham Palace has issued any statement regarding Christmas plans. Without verified information, it is not possible to confirm or predict whether the couple will spend part of the holiday season in the United Kingdom or remain in California.
What is clear—and supported by on-the-record information—is that Meghan and Harry continue to prioritize thoughtful family time during the holiday period. Their Thanksgiving plans highlight a preference for home-centered, meaningful celebrations, and their previous holiday seasons suggest that they maintain a balance between public responsibilities and personal traditions.
The public will likely receive more clarity through official statements or verified updates if Meghan or Harry choose to share additional details later in the season.
Conclusion
This holiday season, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appear focused on building family-centered traditions, particularly in their home in Montecito. While their Thanksgiving plans are already confirmed through publicly shared content, no official details have been released regarding Christmas. Until Buckingham Palace or the couple’s spokesperson provides more information, any speculation about royal invitations or travel plans remains unverified.