A source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have claimed they will be staying put in the US for Christmas in part because of the coronavirus pandemic. It follows the postponement of Meghan’s privacy trial until Autumn next year, with speculation rising the Duchess could be pregnant again. Royal Family tradition holds that the family spends the holidays at Sandringham House.
The source told the magazine Elle claimed it is expected the Sussexes “will be at their Montecito home in California and not be in the UK for Christmas”.
Following the postponement of Meghan’s trial with the Mail on Sunday and Associated Newspapers from January to autumn, the couple are expected to spend Christmas with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland.
The source added the Sussexes are “following Government guidance and medical advice about all travel and COVID restrictions are being taken into account”.
Current US guidelines on coronavirus prevent anyone who has been in the UK within 14 days from entering the country.
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The Royal Family are said to be upset the Sussexes are not set to come back to the UK.
ELLE.com claimed a source close to Meghan and Harry say the couple have been in touch with the Royal Family since moving to Montecito, and haven’t seen them for over a year.
The family was most excited for the Sussexes to return to see the 17-month-old Archie, who is now walking and talking.
The source said the Royal Family are “disappointed” a reunion is now postponed.
While the Sussexes are expected to stay in the US this Christmas, the Royal Family in the UK are believed to not have a confirmed plan for the holiday.
Buckingham Palace confirmed in October no plans are in place yet, announcing that “in line with current Government guidelines, and as a sensible precaution in the current circumstances, there will be no large scale events at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle for the rest of the year.”
The publication quoted a Buckingham Palace spokesman who said Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip have returning to Windsor Castle after a weekend at Wood Farm.
He said to the magazine: “HRH The Duke of Edinburgh travelled back with Her Majesty to Windsor today. This has been the plan for awhile”.
A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry also said at the time: “The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.
“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, their Royal Highnesses will spend the holidays this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland.”
Royal tradition sees the family all stay at Sandringham Estate, with a procession to St. Mary Magdalene Church for a Christmas service.
