Everybody knows the popular sentiment that there's no place like home for the holidays. It seems Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have taken this to heart this year and plan to stay at their new California home for Christmas this year.
While there were reports last month that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's London Home, Frogmore Cottage, was being "prepped" for them to visit in December, it's now being reported that's no longer the case. It's believed that Harry, Meghan and their son Archie will stay in the states for the yuletide season. No official statement has been made, however, it's likely that the ongoing pandemic played a major part in their decision.
According to a royal insider, the Royal Family is disappointed they won't get to see Archie as planned. “Everyone was so looking forward to catching up with them, as well as Archie,” the source told Us Weekly. “They’re looking forward to making the most of things regardless.”
Not being able to catch up with the Sussex family isn't the only disappointment the royals may face this holiday season. Members of Queen Elizabeth's staff have reportedly rejected a proposal to create a "COVID bubble" so the royal family can be together for the holidays. According to the Daily Mail, the Queen asked a small number staff to stay in a "COVID bubble" so they can work during the Christmas season at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk. This would mean the staff members would not be permitted to leave the estate for an entire month.
Queen Elizabeth has spent Christmas at her Sandringham Estate for the past 33 years. Should the staff refuse to create a working COVID bubble, she may have to break her beloved tradition. According to sources close to the situation, Her Majesty is not happy about that possibility. "The Queen is furious. The staff said enough is enough. It is absolutely unprecedented," a source told The Sun. "Everybody wants to stay loyal but they feel they've been pushed too far by being made to isolate from their families for Christmas. Discussions are taking place with the team on operational matters but it is too early to speculate on implications for Christmas."
If Queen Elizabeth can't get her Sandringham staff to isolate at the estate for a month, she will likely stay at her Windsor Castle home for the holidays instead.
Photo: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex