Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated a ‘low-key’ Christmas with their children in California, breaking royal customs

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Christmas this year was a departure from the grandeur of royal traditions, embracing a more laid-back, American-style celebration with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, at their Montecito home.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward revealed insights into how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex likely marked the holiday. The couple, who relocated to California after stepping down from royal duties, spent the festive season in a way that reflected their new life in the United States. Instead of participating in the customary royal Christmas at Sandringham, Harry has now fully embraced the “happy holidays” style celebrated in his adopted country.

Seward shared that Harry used to see Christmas at Sandringham as a “golden ticket” to family festivities, complete with Christmas Eve presents, church services, a traditional Christmas lunch, and a Boxing Day pheasant shoot. However, Harry’s approach to the season has drastically changed since marrying Meghan in 2018. While he spent Christmas at Sandringham just once in 2018, this year’s celebrations were a world away from those royal customs.

At their Montecito home, Meghan likely took charge of decorating the house and tree herself. Royal insiders note that in wealthy neighbourhoods like Montecito, many residents hire interior designers for these tasks, but Meghan’s preference is to create the festive atmosphere herself. Seward believes Meghan’s hands-on approach to holiday decorations aligns with her image as an all-American homemaker. The couple’s home, likely adorned with a Christmas tree selected from local pines, would have been lit up with festive lights in their yard.

Adding a personal touch to their Christmas, Meghan would have also made a gingerbread house, a quintessential American holiday tradition. The couple’s more intimate celebration is a contrast to the opulence of royal gatherings, and it’s a reflection of how Harry has adapted his life since leaving his royal duties behind.

While Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, is believed to have joined the Sussexes for the festive period, the family’s Christmas in California marks another step in their departure from the traditional royal celebrations that Harry once knew.

In a season often marked by grandeur, the Sussexes’ choice to stay close to home with their children and family exemplifies a quieter, more personal approach to the holidays—one that blends American customs with the unique circumstances of their life outside the royal spotlight.