Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Reportedly Plan California Christmas Just Two Months After Returning to the UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to spend Christmas in California with their children, just two months after their unexpected return to the UK. According to a report, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to celebrate the festive season at their multimillion-pound home in Montecito rather than join the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas gathering.

A close friend of the couple told the Daily Mail that Harry and Meghan are planning to keep a low profile in the coming weeks before heading back to the United States for the holidays.

The insider claimed the couple were hoping to “keep their heads down between now and Christmas, when they will go back to California for the holidays.”

Sussexes Reportedly Plan to Split Holidays Between Three Locations

The reported Christmas plans come after Harry and Meghan made an unexpected return to the UK from California in late August. The couple stepped away from their royal duties six years ago and remain non-working members of the Royal Family.

Their return prompted speculation about the reasons behind the move. Some reports suggested the couple wanted their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to develop a closer relationship with their grandfather, King Charles III. Others raised the possibility that Meghan could be considering a return to acting.

Before their reported relocation, the King was said to be pleased at the prospect of spending more time with his family. However, he reportedly remained firm in his position that Harry and Meghan would not return to their former roles as working royals.

Despite the speculation surrounding their move, the couple are now reportedly preparing to spend the Christmas holidays at their Montecito residence.

The Royal Family traditionally gathers at the monarch’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk during the festive season. If the report is accurate, Harry and Meghan will celebrate in California instead of joining the customary royal gathering.

The couple are also said to be considering splitting their children’s school holidays and half-term breaks between California and Portugal, suggesting that their family plans could continue to involve time in multiple locations.

School Privacy Concerns Add to the Family’s Plans

The reported arrangements come amid concerns over the privacy and security of Archie and Lilibet following an incident near their UK school last month.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan criticised international paparazzi after two young men carrying rucksacks and travelling in a white van were allegedly seen near the school grounds. Private security staff and school personnel reportedly spotted the individuals walking around the perimeter and observing children.

The spokesperson condemned the incident, describing it as an “unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children” and an “irresponsible and ill-considered” way to behave near a school.

The episode has brought renewed attention to the family’s efforts to protect their children’s privacy as they reportedly consider dividing school breaks between California and Portugal.

For now, the Sussexes’ reported plans point to another transatlantic journey before the end of the year. Although their return to the UK in August prompted questions about their longer-term arrangements, the latest report suggests California could remain a central part of their family life, particularly during the Christmas holidays.