Prince Harry is reportedly feeling a sense of nostalgia for British life as he and his wife, Meghan Markle, prepare to celebrate another Christmas in the United States.
A Festive Season Away from Home
According to a royal commentator, the Duke of Sussex will find it challenging to be away from the United Kingdom during the festive period once again. Harry, along with Meghan, will spend the holiday at their home in California with their two children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet. The couple's Christmas will also include Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond provided insight into Harry's potential feelings. "He’s on record as saying he misses elements of his UK life, including the banter, pub culture, friends, and family gatherings," Bond stated. She added that his "deep love for Britain" might mean the familiar images of the Royal Family's traditional walk to the Sandringham church service could tug at his heartstrings.
Californian Sunshine vs. Norfolk Tradition
However, the expert suggested this nostalgia may be fleeting. "When he’s enjoying Christmas in the warm Californian sunshine, with his wife, children and mother-in-law, the attraction of an often grey, damp Norfolk might fade a little," Bond remarked. She contrasted the "relaxed, chilled out California celebration" with the formality of a royal Christmas at Sandringham, implying Harry is unlikely to readily swap his current life.
Bond also reflected on the wider family situation, noting: "I imagine that for King Charles, there will always be a sadness that both his boys and their children aren’t with him at this special time of year." She pointed out the ongoing rift, observing that despite public statements about love and family from both daughters-in-law, Prince William and Prince Harry "remain as far apart as ever."
A Family Holiday Greeting
The reflections on Harry's festive sentiments follow a public holiday message from the Sussexes. On Friday, 20th December 2024, Meghan Markle shared a new photograph on her Instagram account. The image showed the family of four on a small bridge surrounded by greenery.
In the picture, Meghan is bending down to touch heads with her daughter, Lilibet, while holding her hand. Prince Archie has his arms wrapped around his father Harry's waist. The post was captioned simply: "Happy Holidays! From our family to yours."
Ultimately, while moments of longing for British traditions may surface, Jennie Bond believes Harry will fully embrace his American-style family day. "So, there might be a moment of nostalgia," she concluded, "but I think Harry will happily throw himself into an American style family day with his little ones."
