The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to spend their seventh Christmas in a row away from the royal family, despite earlier hopes that relations might be improving.
In September, Prince Harry made a solo visit to the UK, during which he reunited with his father, King Charles, for the first time in 19 months. Buckingham Palace later confirmed that the two met privately for tea at Clarence House, the King’s London home. However, the meeting reportedly lasted less than an hour.
News of this meeting, along with reports that Harry’s reduced UK security arrangements are being reviewed again, sparked speculation that he might rejoin the royal family for Christmas.
But royal biographer Tom Bower has dismissed that idea. Speaking to OK! Magazine, he said Harry may have hoped the meeting would help him rebuild his place within the family, but believes reconciliation is unlikely. Bower added that while Harry has publicly spoken about concerns over his father’s health, he does not believe Harry is a priority for the King at this time.
Meghan Markle is also estranged from her own father, Thomas Markle. Their relationship reportedly broke down before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, being the only family member from her side to attend the ceremony.
Earlier this year, Thomas Markle said he wanted to repair their relationship after undergoing serious medical treatment. He had part of his left leg amputated below the knee following a blood clot. Reports suggest Meghan reached out to him by sending a letter.
Despite this, Bower claims the couple’s strained relationships on both sides of the family leave them “in a very isolated place at Christmas.”
The biographer also believes Harry and Meghan are facing growing uncertainty in their careers. Meghan’s recent Netflix holiday special, With Love, Meghan, received mixed reactions, while her As Ever Christmas product collection is under pressure to perform well.
“This Christmas is make or break for Meghan,” Bower said. “If things don’t work out, they will face serious questions about their future by 2026.”
Prince Harry, meanwhile, is said to have fewer commitments following the Invictus Games earlier this year. He also stepped back from his role at the Sentebale charity in March, resigning as patron amid internal disagreements between trustees and the organisation’s chair.
With the next Invictus Games not scheduled until 2027, Bower questioned what Harry will focus on in the meantime, concluding that there are no easy answers to the challenges the couple currently face.
