As the holiday season approaches, excitement is building around the royal family’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
However, this year’s festivities will see some familiar faces missing from the dinner table, alongside a few new additions.
King Charles III is reportedly set to make this Christmas a memorable one, perhaps in light of the challenging year the family has faced, particularly with health issues affecting both himself and Princess Catherine.
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly received an invitation to celebrate with the family of the late Princess Diana, it seems they have not been extended an invite by King Charles himself.
This absence raises questions about whether the Sussexes will opt for a quiet Christmas at their home in Montecito, California, or if they will instead spend the day at Diana’s childhood residence in Althorp.
Only time will reveal their plans.
Last Christmas, King Charles chose to omit any mention of his son and daughter-in-law during his speech to the nation, marking the second consecutive year he did so.
In a poignant moment, he reminded listeners to treat others as they wish to be treated, leaving many to ponder the implications of his words regarding family dynamics.
This year, the King is planning a grand celebration at Sandringham, inviting a host of guests to join in the festivities.
However, it’s important to note that Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are not on the guest list.
Reports suggest that the couple is focusing on creating a special holiday experience in California, especially after the strains they have faced recently.
Meghan has expressed the importance of staying home in Montecito for the holidays, emphasizing the need for family togetherness during this challenging time.
With her mother, Doria, joining them, they aim to ensure their children have a joyful celebration, despite the absence of their extended family.
This could potentially be their last Christmas spent in their current home, making it all the more significant.
According to palace insiders, this year’s Christmas festivities will take place in the Sandringham House Ballroom, where around 100 guests are expected.
Attendees can anticipate a lavish buffet-style feast featuring all the traditional trimmings.
The scale of the event hints at a successful gathering, especially considering last year’s celebration was well-received.
Among the expected attendees are Prince William, Princess Catherine, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Queen Camilla is also preparing to host numerous guests, including her son Tom Parker Bowles and his children, as well as her daughter Laura Lopes and her family.
Additionally, Princess Anne, along with her son Peter Phillips and daughter Zara Tindall, is on the guest list, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their children.
Adding to the mix, a pregnant Princess Beatrice and her husband Eduardo Mapelli Mozzi, along with their daughter Sienna and Beatrice’s stepson Wolfie, are also slated to attend.
Perhaps the most talked-about invitee is Prince Andrew, who is expected to join the festivities with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their daughter Princess Eugenie, who will be accompanied by her husband Jack Brooksbank and their children.
Despite some speculation about Harry and Meghan potentially traveling to the UK for the holidays, sources indicate that they will not be joining the royal family this year.
A significant obstacle remains Harry’s inability to secure police protection while visiting the UK, which complicates any potential plans for a festive reunion.
A royal insider has suggested that the likelihood of the Sussexes being welcomed back into the fold is slim, given the ongoing tensions surrounding their departure from royal duties.
King Charles has reportedly dismissed claims of hostility and racism as exaggerated and far removed from reality, further highlighting the rift within the family.
The Sussexes, who recently missed key remembrance events in the UK, seem to be prioritizing their commitments in California over traditional royal gatherings.
Their decision to film a video for a global conference in Colombia instead of attending memorial events in Britain underscores their distancing from royal affairs, making any hopes of a Christmas reunion appear increasingly unlikely.