King Charles is said to be “deeply nervous” about the possibility of speaking with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over the Christmas period, according to royal insiders.
According to a report by Express, There are concerns within the royal family that any conversations between Charles and the Sussexes could be leaked and “make things very difficult.
The insider explained that while Charles “would love” to spend time with Harry, Meghan, and his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, the “hostility” towards the couple from other royals like Prince William makes the situation delicate. The Sussexes have faced backlash this year over their tell-all interviews and Harry’s memoir Spare.
According to reports, Meghan’s PR team has advised that “they need to repair the damage within the Royal Family” by reconciling with Charles. Sources claim Harry now plans to call his father over the holidays as an “olive branch.”
The Sussexes’ new strategy is one of “reconciliation” rather than confrontation, intended to ease tensions. However, some commentators are skeptical of the timing, coming soon after damaging reports that brands have been unwilling to work with Harry and Meghan.
Despite Harry’s reported wish to spend Christmas in the UK, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams says the chances of the Sussexes joining the royal gathering at Sandringham are slim.
Fitzwilliams explained, “You can’t trust the Sussexes. This is not a background on which you could have a relaxed Christmas.” He believes Charles is focused on celebrating with William, Kate, and their children this year in a smaller, more private setting.
While concrete plans remain uncertain, this Christmas is expected to be “tinged with sadness” for the royals as Archie and Lilibet stay in California. Former butler Paul Burrell stated, “I’m sure [the family] will miss Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet this Christmas. It’s sad.
Harry has reportedly said he “would love to” be back in the UK for the holidays. But with Meghan less keen on returning, their family of four will likely create new traditions thousands of miles from Sandringham this year.
According to Meghan, she and Harry are “creating new [traditions] now” with Archie and Lilibet in California. The Sussexes enjoy “every moment” of making Christmas memories together as a young family.
While details are private, Meghan says she loves decorating the tree and trimming the house with her little ones. Despite the distance, she and Harry are clearly relishing precious time with Archie and Lilibet.
Christmas 2023 will mark the fourth straight year Harry and Meghan spend the holidays away from the royals. Some experts believe they could use 2024 to “win back public affection” and finally reunite with Charles and William next Christmas.
Healing the rift between the Sussexes and the royal family could be a long, gradual process. But there remains hope that Archie and Lilibet may someday participate in traditions at Sandringham like their Cambridge cousins.
