‘They need some time away to recharge and make plans’: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘have told the Queen they will not spend son Archie’s first Christmas with her at Sandringham’
- The Sussexes could stay at home in Windsor or travel to be with Doria Ragland
- Royal watchers fear the move could worsen tensions with the rest of the family
- Harry has always spent Christmas at the Queen’s Norfolk home, barring 2012
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly told the Queen they will not spend son Archie’s first Christmas with her at Sandringham.
The Sussexes could stay at home in Windsor or travel to be with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland following a gruelling year which has left them both needing to ‘recharge their batteries’.
Royal watchers fear the move could worsen tensions between the couple and the rest of the Royal Family, following recent from comments from Harry that he and his brother were ‘on different paths at the moment.’
The Sussexes could stay at home in Windsor or travel abroad to be with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland after a tough year which has left both needing to ‘recharge their batteries’
It had been thought they would return to Sandringham for Christmas but they informed Her Majesty, 93, that they will not be joining her and Prince Philip, 98 this year
The Sussexes, who will be taking a six-week break after Sunday when Harry, 35, attends a Royal Albert Hall event, will likely travel to the US and spend Thanksgiving with Doria, 63.
It had been thought they would return to Sandringham for Christmas but they informed Her Majesty, 93, that they will not be joining her and Prince Philip, 98 this year.
A royal source told The Sun: ‘They need some time away to recharge and decide their plans for next year.’
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward said: ‘Christmas at Sandringham can be quite stressful so perhaps they don’t want to go with Archie at such a young age.
‘Having said that, Sandringham has played host to many many children through the ages and is well set up for them.
‘I think it’s sad they don’t want to be part of the family gathering, particularly now the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are in their dotage.
‘The Queen might be a little hurt but she’s far too gracious to ever let it show or be known.’
Harry has always spent Christmas at the Queen’s Norfolk home, barring 2012 when he was serving in Afghanistan.
For the past two years he has been joined by Meghan, 38, who alongside him also skipped the royals’ annual holiday in Balmoral this year.
Ms Seward added: ‘It does seem to be nothing to do with Archie and to do with their own personal feelings.’
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will both be at Sandringham with George, six, Charlotte, four and Louis, one.
Buckingham Palace was approached for comment.