The couple shocked the world after announcing they are stepping down as senior members of the Royal Family and have been living in Los Angeles with their son, Archie. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, they have been unable to return to the UK or celebrate Archie’s milestones as he develops.
The Queen is said to be “very sad” that she has seen very little of her great grandson this year.
Prince Charles is also thought to have been among other royals were heartbroken at not seeing Archie after the Sussexes moved out of Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor.
A source said: “The Prince of Wales enjoyed popping into Frogmore Cottage to see his youngest grandchild and is sad that he hasn’t seen him for so long.
“He has missed much of his development since he is now growing up in the USA.”
Meghan and Harry to video call sad Queen (Image: Getty)
The couple live in Los Angeles with their son (Image: Getty)
But it is understood the Sussexes have been able to keep in touch with Queen and other members of the Royal Family via video calls.
And Meghan and Harry are expected to video call the Monarch on Christmas instead of spending it together.
However, Sean Smith, author of Meghan Misunderstood, said he would not be surprised if the couple did not keep in touch with Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
He told Fabulous magazine: “Whether they have any contact with William and Kate, I don’t know. I’d be surprised.”
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The Queen believed to be heartbroken (Image: Getty)
The Queen is said to be “very sad” that she has seen very little of her great grandson this year.
Prince Charles is also thought to have been among other royals were heartbroken at not seeing Archie after the Sussexes moved out of Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor.
Due to the outbreak of coronavirus and the current restrictions in place, it is likely other members of the Royal Family will also use video calls to wish the Monarch a ‘Merry Christmas’.
Sadly, Covid-19 restrictions put an end to hopes of a festive season at Sandringham and the Queen and Prince Philip will now spend a quiet Christmas at Windsor Castle for the first time in 32 years.
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Royal Family tree (Image: Express)
While some of the Royal Family may join them in the castle grounds, there will be no big gathering due to the rule of six being in place.
It is likely they will have their Christmas Day meal without other relatives.
The Queen, who is Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has also decided she will not attend church on Christmas Day to avoid the risk of attracting crowds and spreading the deadly virus.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: “Having considered all of the appropriate advice, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor.”
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children (Image: Splash)
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will spend the festive season at Highgrove but intend to see the Queen and Philip at some point.
It is not clear yet how the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children will spend Christmas.
While the coronavirus lockdowns left the Queen feeling “a bit down”, it allowed her to spend more time with Prince Philip.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip (Image: Getty)
Royal commentator Katie Nicholl said: “I remember speaking to a very well-placed source at the time who said while the Queen was, like the rest of the country, was very down about the pandemic and not being able to work [as usual] and being in lockdown, the real upside for her was the time she got to spend with Philip.”
During the last seven months, the couple have spent more time with each other than they have since their early married life from 1949 to 1951.
Ms Nicholl added: “While some couples may have found that intensity of being together stretching or testing, they clearly got on very well… they really enjoyed that time together.”
