The Sussexes won't be spending Christmas with the royal family in 2019 and instead will spend it with Markle's mother.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have proven time and time again that they will follow their hearts, even if that means breaking a few Royal norms. Much like Princess Diana, they are bold and fearless to break away from traditions and put their humanitarian work ahead of other priorities. The younger son of the People's Princess will not be spending Christmas 2020 with his royal family. Instead, he will be spending it with his new family.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month," a spokesperson said at the time, according to Harper's Bazaar. "Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland."
Many speculate that they will be in the US, but no official source has confirmed this. Whether it is going to be the US or UK, it sure is going to be different from the traditional celebrations the royal family usually has. For the first time since they got engaged, Markle will be the hostess if they choose to throw a Christmas party.
While we don't know how their first Christmas as new parents will be, we know what traditions they will be breaking by not being part of the Royal Christmas plans.
The royal family gathers on Christmas eve for dinner and drinks, which is a strictly personal, black-tie formal event, according to PopSugar. Since the couple is not going to be there at Sandringham, the Queen's home, they won't be part of the formal event. They may opt for a casual and relaxing event with friends instead. In 1995, the year Princess Diana gave the controversial BBC interview, she skipped the Royal Christmas celebrations and chose to stay home alone. Sadly, she never spent Christmas with the family again as she divorced Prince Charles in 1996 and passed away in 1997.
Every year on Christmas, the royal family walks to St. Mary Magdalene church, close to the Queen's Sandringham Estate, for the annual Christmas Day service, according to Insider. In 2017 and 2018, Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry accompanied the rest of the royal family on Christmas. However, in 2019, they and their son, Archie will skip this. Perhaps, they will accompany the Duchess' mom.
The afternoon tea on Christmas eve and gift exchange in the White Drawing Room is believed to be a hilarious time for the royal family. "The Queen arrives a few days before everyone else, like any good hostess, to ensure everything is ready," Grant Harrold, a former butler to Prince Charles, told Insider. "Then most of the royals will arrive on Christmas Eve. They will have afternoon tea, which is traditionally held between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., where they will exchange gifts."
The children are allowed to add some last decorations to the tree but they are not given the responsibility to hang Queen Victoria's glass angels, according to PopSugar.
The gifts are always in jest and are meant to incite laughter from the family. Since the family is not wanting in anything, it is hard to buy gifts for them. This tradition was once broken by Princess Diana, right after she got married since she didn't know about it.
The Christmas decorations by the royal family usually tend to be traditional. The photos released of the Windsor Castle shows a 20-foot-high Nordmann fir Christmas tree in St. George's Hall. They prefer following the norm of draping the garland across the mantel but a 2015 interview of Markle shows that she prefers things to be done in her unique style.
"Traditionally garland or magnolia branches are used to adorn a stairwell banister or mantel," the former actress told Grazia. "Take this concept and trim the outline of a mirror or beautiful piece of artwork that is centrally located in your entry hallway or living room."
References:
https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/real-life/friends-christmas-fake-christmas-tips/
