The royal family is gearing up for the festive season as sleigh bells are ringing across Sandringham Estate. It’s been a challenging year for the Windsors, with both Kate Middleton and King Charles facing cancer diagnoses and ongoing tensions with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
However, the Princess of Wales has completed her chemotherapy. King Charles, too, is making strides in his recovery and has resumed some public engagements.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who worked for Charles from 2004 to 2011, shared insights with the Mirror, revealing how Prince William and Kate might spend the festive season and whether Harry and Meghan could be invited to Sandringham.
“Under the late Queen Elizabeth II, it was customary for senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, to spend Christmas at Sandringham. When Harry and Meghan chose not to attend a few years ago, it made headlines,” Harrold explained.
He further added that this tradition is expected to continue under King Charles, though William and Kate have historically balanced this with time spent with Kate’s parents, the Middletons.
Harrold suggested that given Kate’s recent health challenges, the couple might prioritise family this year. “There’s even speculation that the Middletons could join the royals at Sandringham,” he added.
For decades, the royal family has celebrated Christmas at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, except during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Harrold believes the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are likely to stay at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, which is near Sandringham.
“This allows them to attend church with the royal family in the morning and spend time at Sandringham before returning to Anmer Hall in the afternoon for a more intimate celebration with the Middletons,” Harrold stated, quoted by The Mirror US.
However, the Sussexes, Harry and Meghan, are unlikely to join the celebrations.
Harrold noted, “The King has made it very clear that he still wants them to feel part of the family so they likely will receive an invite.”
At present, the Sussexes live in Montecito, California, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Their relationship with the royal family has been strained since stepping back as senior royals in 2020.
“Although you never know, they may appear. If not this year, maybe next year. I do think that the relationship, at least behind closed doors, is improving. So an invite will definitely be extended to them, ” the royal butler noted.
