Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, 35, have spent Christmas with the Queen at Sandringham Estate for the past two years. However, it has been announced they will spend time with the Duchess’ mother, Doria Ragland, over the festive season. What will Kate Middleton and Prince William do?
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Meghan Markle: Duchess and Harry look ‘isolated’ from Kate and William
Although it is not known whether Meghan and Harry will travel to the USA or stay in the UK, it has been confirmed they will not join the Queen.
A statement from the palace said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.
“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland.
“This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”
For the past two years, Meghan, Harry, Kate and William have been seen together as they attend a Christmas Day church service in Englefield.
In 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined royals for dinner including Kate Middleton, Prince William, both 37, and their three children.
It was reported Doria was also invited by the Queen to join them, although it was not confirmed whether this happened or not.
Since Kate Middleton married William in 2011, the couple have spent most Christmases with the Queen.
However, it is reported parents of the grandchildren’s partners have never been invited to Christmas dinner, which made Doria’s invitation unusual.
Why have Kate Middleton’s parents have never attended Christmas with the Queen?
Kate and William did spend time the Middleton’s in 2012, however the royals headed to Berkshire to do that.
They were joined by Kate’s family, including her siblings Pippa and James Middleton at the family home.
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- Meghan Markle: Duchess and Harry look ‘isolated’ from Kate and William
They also reportedly skipped the festivities in 2016 and again visited Kate’s family.
Kate’s parents are said to have stayed nearby at Anmer Hall in Norfolk over the Christmas period, but they have not joined the Royal Family.
However, Doria received an invitation last year due to the unusual circumstances of Meghan’s family living so far away.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, a palace source said: “It’s a mark of the Queen’s respect for Meghan and an acknowledgement that she doesn’t have any other relations in this country – unlike Kate who has the support of a very close family.”
When confirming Meghan and Harry will miss Christmas, the palace explained this is in line with other members of the Royal Family.
As well as Kate and William occasionally skipping the big day, Zara Tindall and her husband are believed to sometimes spend Christmas elsewhere.
However, this will be the first Christmas Harry has not spent at home since 2012 when he was away working in the services.
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