Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shocked the public when they announced they’ll be abandoning the traditional Royal Christmas at Sandringham, in favour of a holiday celebration with Meghan’s mum, Doria Ragland.
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On Wednesday, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be spending the holiday in LA with their son Archie, instead of with Harry’s family at Sandringham.
After the shocking announcement, royal watchers began to wonder how the Queen feels about the public snub, as well as speculating whether the well-known rift between the Sussex’s and Prince William and Kate Middleton is to blame.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said at the time: “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.”
The statement went on to say that the couple have to full support of the Her Majesty.
“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.”
So far it has been assumed that the couple will be spending that time in Los Angeles, however due to the Palace not releasing any details of their Christmas itinerary it is entirely possible that Doria – a yoga instructor – will join her daughter, grandson and son-in-law at their home in Windsor.
This year will mark only the second time Prince Harry has spent his Christmas away from Sandringham.
In 2012, the Duke of Sussex was serving in Afghanistan over the Christmas period.
Royal author Marlene Koenig has pointed out that if Queen Elizabeth isn’t fazed by the Sussex’s absence, than the public shouldn’t be either.
“A certain element of the press are going to find fault with everything they do,” Ms Koenig tells Express.co.uk.
“The Cambridges have spent Christmas twice since they’ve been married with the Middleton’s, so what is wrong with Meghan and Harry spending Christmas with her mother?”
Ms Koenig added: “The Queen seems to be all right with it so why should anyone criticise it?”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen to spend multiple Christmases away from Sandringham, often spending time with Middleton’s family in Buckbury with their three children, Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1.
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