Meghan Markle and Prince Harry find the festive period “tough” as both royals have strained relationships with their families.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to spend Christmas in Montecito, California, with Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
Meghan’s mother, Grandmother Doria Ragland, will likely join the pair, with other family members celebrating separately.
A royal source suggests that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will not see either of their grandfathers as both family relationships remain strained.
Meghan’s mother, Grandmother Doria Ragland, will likely join the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Christmas
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The source told OK: “Meghan only has her mum, as there’s almost zero chance of a reconciliation between her and her dad.”
The former suits actress’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, is thought to have not spoken to his daughter since before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.
Their relationship broke down when he was caught on CCTV staging paparazzi photos that year.
He has never met Meghan’s husband, Harry, or their children, Archie and Lilibet.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved to California after they announced they would be stepping down as senior working royals in January 2020.
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The couple, who have been married for six years, moved to California after they announced they would be stepping down as senior working royals in January 2020.
Meghan has previously revealed that Christmas with the Sussexes gets better yearly as their two children get older.
However the source suggests that although this time of year is joyous, as Harry and Meghan both love Christmas, it is often “bittersweet” for the couple.
The source adds: “Christmas is Meghan’s favourite time of year, she loves seeing everyone over for Thanksgiving, and then they are in full on countdown mode for Christmas.
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Meghan has previously revealed that Christmas with the Sussexes gets better yearly as their two children get older
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They continue: “This year feels special because both children fully ‘get it’ – they’ve been talking about Santa and Christmas for weeks. They always wait until Thanksgiving is over before putting up their tree and decorations but they will go OTT!
“The kids will have their own tree to decorate, while the main tree will be a bit more colour coordinated! They will have lots of people over for the holidays – Doria will even move in for a bit.”
“Harry is also very excited and loves seeing how excited Archie and Lilbet are getting.
“He sometimes can’t believe how lucky he is to have them.”