Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly not be spending Christmas with the Queen and the rest of the royal family.
It is customary for all members of the immediate royal family to spend the festive holiday in Sandringham, the Queen’s private home.
A source told The Sun that the decision came as the couple decided they “needed to recharge their batteries.”
“They need some time away to recharge and decide their plans for next year.”
The couple are taking a six week break from royal engagements, but it was previously expected that they would return to royal duties in time for the festive season.
It is not known if they will choose to spend their first Christmas with baby Archie at their home in Windsor, or in America with Meghan’s family.
Harry and Meghan have spent the last two Christmases together at Sandringham.
Harry has only missed one Christmas with the Queen before, in 2012 when he was drafted for military duty in Afghanistan.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told the paper: “Christmas at Sandringham can be quite stressful so perhaps they don’t want to go with Archie at such a young age.”
“Having said that, Sandringham has played host to many many children through the ages and is well set up for them.”
“I think it’s sad they don’t want to be part of the family gathering, particularly now the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are in their dotage.”
“The Queen might be a little hurt but she’s far too gracious to ever let it show or be known.”
