Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan will spend Christmas in the United States this year, it has been confirmed.
The royal pair has taken some by surprise for the decision to spend Archie’s first holiday season away from the United Kingdom, where the royal family have long held the tradition of going to Sandringham to spend time with the Queen.
That being said, there’s no doubt Harry and Meghan are very much looking forward to spending the time with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who is based in Los Angeles.
The decision was confirmed by Buckingham Palace in a statement which explained that both Harry and Meghan were “looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month”.
It continued: “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.”
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The Palace added that the decision has come in line with precedent set previously by other members of the royal family, and also “has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”
Harry and Meghan will spend Christmas in the United States this year.
(Getty)The decision for the pair to spend such a special time of year away from the United Kingdom comes after the release of an emotional documentary where Harry and Meghan voiced their anguish over the public scrutiny they’ve endured being in the media spotlight over the past 12 months.
Around the time the documentary was released, it was revealed the Duke and Duchess would be taking a short break from their royal duties, getting some space from the heavy media scrutiny.
Their break, which reportedly begins around mid-November also comes after the pair took legal action against several British newspapers for various reports written about them.
The pair has endured constant media backlash over the past 12 months.
(Getty)Skipping Christmas with the Queen is not unusual for royal family members – Duchess Catherine and Prince William have done the same previously, opting to spend the day with Kate’s mother and father in Buckleberry in 2016.
That year marked Princess Charlotte’s first Christmas, so it’s not hugely unusual to see Harry and Meghan choose to spend Archie’s first Christmas with his mother’s family.
WATCH: See the royal fab four step out on Christmas day. Story continues…
Last Christmas, Meghan was heavily pregnant with baby Archie. She stepped out in Sandringham for the second year in a row alongside Harry, Prince William and Duchess Catherine.
Wearing a stunning blue Victoria Beckham dress, the Duchess was radiant on the big day.
But this year, with a brand new baby and taking a break from her first full year as a royal family member, the outlook will be slightly different for the Duchess.
We’re sure it’ll be an incredibly wholesome and peaceful time for the family.
