Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are not expected to return to the UK for Christmas this year, as per royal expert predictions.
While the Queen prepares to mark her first Christmas without Prince Philip at Sandringham with close family, it is likely that Prince William and Kate Middleton will join her.
However, Harry and Meghan are anticipated to spend the festive season as a family of four in Montecito, California, enjoying their first Christmas since welcoming daughter Lilibet in June.
Speculation has been rife among royal watchers regarding whether Lilibet would be christened in the UK, similar to Archie‘s christening at Windsor Castle two years ago.
Despite suggestions that the Sussexes might visit the UK during the Christmas period for the christening, expert Russell Myers believes this scenario is improbable.
Myers, a Daily Mirror royal editor, expressed his views on the matter on the Pod Save the Queen podcast, indicating that a UK visit for the christening seems unlikely at this point.
Harry has made two trips to the UK this year, first for Prince Philip’s funeral in April and then for the unveiling of Princess Diana‘s statue in July.
In contrast, Meghan has not returned to the UK since the couple’s departure from the royal family last year.
Myers pondered on the timing of the Sussexes’ next visit to the UK, questioning whether it could be for the christening or Christmas, though he believes it won’t be this year.
Despite tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family, the Queen is expected to send gifts to her great-grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.
Notably, Prince Harry shared a heartwarming anecdote about the Queen’s gift to Archie last Christmas during an appearance on the Late Late Show.
Despite any rifts within the family, it is reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton plan to send gifts to Archie and Lilibet this Christmas to maintain their traditions.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl emphasized the importance of continuing Christmas traditions within the royal family, highlighting the significance of exchanging gifts among relatives.
While neither the Queen nor William and Kate have met Lilibet in person since her birth in July, the family continues to uphold the tradition of exchanging gifts during the holiday season.
Additionally, there is anticipation surrounding the release of Prince Harry’s memoir, with a royal expert suggesting that Prince Charles may be apprehensive about its implications for his reign.
Reports indicate strained relations between father and son, with minimal communication in recent months and tensions exacerbated by public comments made by Harry regarding controversies surrounding Charles’ charity work.
