The royal family have gathered at Buckingham Palace for a Christmas luncheon ahead of the Queen’s departure for Sandringham, and Meghan and Harry were nowhere to be seen.
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While it’s well known the Duke and Duchess are currently taking a six-week hiatus from royal duties in the UK, some still speculated whether or not they would be in attendance.
But despite the rumours, Harry and Meghan have made it perfectly clear they will not be attending any of the holiday gatherings, and instead will remain abroad for the season.
A royal source previously confirmed to People that the Duke and Duchess were taking time off from commitments amid the intense scrutiny they and received.
“The duke and duchess have a full schedule of engagements and commitments until mid-November, after which they will be taking some much-needed family time,” the source said.
The royal couple will also spend their first Christmas as parents in the United States with Archie and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.
In a statement from the Palace, it was also confirmed they, along with six-month-old son, Archie, will instead spend Christmas with Meghan’s mother.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month,” the statement read.
“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, [the couple] will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria.
“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,” the message stated.
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