It's that time of year again when the Sussexes engage in their annual "will they, won't they" speculation regarding Christmas at Sandringham.
The royal family has officially sent out invitations for this year's traditional gathering, and guess who didn't make the guest list? That's right—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are as welcome as a snowstorm in July. According to The Express, King Charles and Queen Camilla are hosting a grand Christmas celebration at Sandringham House, set to take place in the elegant ballroom. A well-placed insider revealed that a large number of royal relatives will be present, but Harry and Meghan are conspicuously absent from the guest list.
The event will feature a grand buffet-style roast, served in the ballroom amidst a gathering of royal family members. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan will likely be spending Christmas on a quiet couch in Montecito, far from the King’s traditional dinner, trimmings, and festivities. Queen Camilla will be inviting her children and grandchildren, turning the royal celebration into a full-fledged family reunion. It’s expected to be a "who's who" of royal relatives, minus the two who seem to enjoy their role as outsiders. Prince William and Princess Catherine will attend, popping over from their nearby residence at Anmer Hall to join in the festivities. Princess Beatrice, proudly showing off her baby bump, will also be there with her family in tow.
As for Harry, his ongoing complaints about security continue to draw attention. He seems fixated on the notion that he requires a separate security detail just to attend Christmas at Sandringham. This claim has been a point of controversy, as the royal family already provides ample security. If the Sussexes dared to attend, they’d be fully protected under the King’s security arrangements. Yet, for Harry and his wife, it seems that nothing short of their own personal security team will suffice, further distancing them from the royal fold.
Their recurring excuse for not attending—citing "security concerns"—feels like a convenient cover-up. It allows them to frame their absence as a choice rather than admitting they weren’t invited. Buckingham Palace has expertly shifted the narrative, shutting down any speculation by simply not extending an invitation. One might even wonder if the palace is subtly suggesting that Harry and Meghan themselves pose a security risk. Keeping them away from the royal children might be seen as a protective measure, further highlighting the strained relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the family.
In general, the royal family avoids the drama of public disinvites, but this year, they've clearly had enough of the endless media frenzy that follows Harry and Meghan wherever they go. Christmas, once again, offers an opportunity for the couple to play the role of outsiders while the rest of the royals enjoy a festive, drama-free holiday. There’s no olive branch extended, no chance of reconciliation this year.
So, what will the Sussexes do this Christmas? Perhaps they'll spend the holidays writing another brooding memoir, reflecting on their perceived grievances, while the rest of the royals enjoy a warm, lively celebration. For Harry and Meghan, this holiday season looks to be as uneventful as previous years—without an invitation, without royal cheer, and without the family connections they once had. It’s a hard truth they may have to accept: this Christmas, like many before it, will likely be dull, drab, and devoid of royal joy.
