Meghan Markle reportedly drew a firm line over Christmas after reuniting with Prince Harry in the UK this summer. The Duchess of Sussex was said to prefer spending the holidays in California with her mother, Doria Ragland, rather than joining the royal family.
According to a new source, Markle could not bear the thought of a “phoney Christmas” with the royals. Harry, meanwhile, was reportedly disappointed and hoped she might reconsider. If the decision stands, the couple will return to Montecito for the festive season.
Prince Harry holding on to hope Meghan Markle changes her mind about Christmas plans, per source
According to a Heat World report, Prince Harry had hoped to spend Christmas in the UK and create special memories with King Charles. “His hope was that they would make special Christmas moments with his father this year,” an insider claimed.
They added, “Meghan’s not budging.” However, Meghan Markle reportedly remained determined to spend the holidays in California. Separately, PEOPLE reported that the Sussexes planned to celebrate Christmas with Doria Ragland rather than the royal family. The report also stated that they would spend Thanksgiving with Meghan’s mother in California.
More specifically, the insider claimed Meghan could not bear the thought of a “phoney Christmas” with the royal family, describing the prospect as “struggling through” the holiday with them. “She’s going home, and Harry has agreed to it to make her happy,” the source said.
According to the insider, Harry had promised that they could “go home for plenty of trips.” Nevertheless, he reportedly accepted the Christmas plans “with a heavy heart.” People also reported that Archie and Lilibet had settled into school following the family’s August move.
Meanwhile, the insider claimed that Harry was “still holding out hope Meghan will change her mind.” However, they added, “that’s just never going to happen.” The source further alleged that the Sussexes were “all about putting on a united front,” with Harry reportedly “saving face” by telling people “this was always the plan.”
Additionally, the insider claimed he feared the decision could come across as “putting their noses in the air.” Despite this, they maintained that he “had his heart set on an English Christmas.”
Meghan, meanwhile, was reportedly “already making plans” for the holidays and wanted to host a festive party. The source added that she “can’t wait to see her mom” and was “very excited” about spending Christmas in California.
