King Charles in July 2023; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry in Sept. 2021 . Photo: Andrew Milligan – WPA Pool/Getty; Gotham/GC

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham this year.

A source tells PEOPLE that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not received an invitation to this year’s royal Christmas gathering at Sandringham. The couple, who are expected to spend the holidays in the U.S., haven’t taken part in Christmas with the royal family since 2018, the year they married.

Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, were also not invited to Trooping the Colour in June of this year, the annual birthday celebration for King Charles, which came a month after Harry and his father didn’t meet up when the Duke of Sussex was in the U.K. for the tenth-anniversary celebration of the Invictus Games. At the time, a spokesperson for Prince Harry attributed the missed reunion to the King’s “full schedule,” amid ongoing tensions between Harry and both his father, Charles, and his older brother, Prince William.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 2017 in Lille, France.Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

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Prince William, his wife Kate Middleton, and their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are set to spend Christmas at Sandringham, though both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace (where the Prince and Princess of Wales’ office is located) declined to comment on the Christmas guest list.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales attend the Christmas Morning Service at Sandringham Church on Dec. 25, 2023 in Sandringham, Norfolk.Getty Images

The Real Reason Prince Harry and King Charles Are No Longer Speaking: ‘Harry’s Calls Go Unanswered’ (Exclusive)

The strain in both relationships has persisted for years, with one major sticking point being Harry’s ongoing battle over security, multiple sources told PEOPLE earlier this year. Those close to Harry suggested that his desire to discuss the matter with his father — particularly his belief that Charles has the power to reinstate his security, a legal fight Harry has been waging for over four years — was behind the absence of a meeting in May. A palace source tells PEOPLE that the idea that Harry’s security is in the King’s hands is “wholly incorrect.”

The King, 76, and Prince Harry met up in February, soon after Charles publicly announced his cancer diagnosis on Feb. 5. Since then, though, communication has deteriorated, with those close to Prince Harry saying the monarch no longer takes his younger son’s calls and doesn’t respond to his letters, either.

“He gets ‘unavailable right now,’ ” a friend of Harry’s told PEOPLE earlier this year. “His calls go unanswered. He has tried to reach out about the King’s health, but those calls go unanswered too.”

King Charles and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex walk behind the coffin during the procession for the Lying-in State of Queen Elizabeth on Sept. 14, 2022 in London, England.Jeff J Mitchell – WPA Pool/Getty

For Harry’s part, he remains deeply concerned for the safety of Meghan and their children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, and has repeatedly asked his father for help, sources told PEOPLE.

“Harry is frightened and feels the only person who can do anything about it is his father,” a royal source told PEOPLE. Another source added, “Harry is determined to protect his own family at all costs.”

Harry and Meghan stepped back as working members of the royal family in January 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California, where they remain. The couple “didn’t feel they had a choice,” a friend told PEOPLE. “The only option was to leave — for their sanity. I do think they thought if they got out of this bubble, there would be less focus on them.”

A key factor to move to California was, again, security — specifically the ability to have armed private security in the U.S., sources in their circle told PEOPLE. A source close to the situation told PEOPLE that the fact that Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duty shouldn’t be a factor in their protection level, saying, “Working royal or not, this is the King’s son.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on Dec. 25, 2017 in King’s Lynn, England. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Soon after announcing their engagement on Nov. 27, 2017, Harry and Meghan spent their first Christmas at Sandringham together. In the 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex recalled fond memories from that Christmas, revealing she sat next to Harry’s grandfather Prince Philip at dinner.

“I remember so vividly the first Christmas at Sandringham,” she said. “Calling my mom, and she’s like, ‘How’s it going?’ And I said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s amazing.’ ”

“It’s just like a big family like I always wanted,” Meghan continued. “And there was just this constant movement and energy and fun.”

She also revealed that she thought her interaction with the late Duke of Edinburgh “went really well”: “And I just thought it was so wonderful,” Meghan said of sitting next to Prince Philip. “And I was like, ‘Oh, we chatted, and it was so great.’ ”

Later, Prince Harry told Meghan that she “had his bad ear,” meaning that his grandfather likely couldn’t hear their entire dinnertime conversation. “I was like, ‘Oh — well, I thought it went really well,’ ” Meghan added.

Following those holiday celebrations — which broke precedent, as Harry and Meghan weren’t yet married and unmarried partners of royals had previously not been invited to Sandringham for the big day — Prince Harry told BBC Radio 4 that their 2017 Christmas was “fantastic.”

“She really enjoyed it,” he said in 2017. “The family loved having her there.”

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on Dec. 25, 2018 in King’s Lynn, England.Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

After marrying in May 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex once again joined the royal family for Christmas at Sandringham, and Meghan was pregnant with Prince Archie at the time. He would ultimately be born five months later, in May 2019.

In 2019, the new family of three spent Christmas privately in Canada. Just two weeks later, they announced their decision to step back as working royals — and haven’t returned to Christmas at Sandringham since.

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Nearly five years after their 2020 step back from royal duty, nothing “would give [Harry] more happiness than being able to rekindle his bond with his father,” a friend told PEOPLE. “At the end of the day, you can’t undo bloodlines.”

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie. Photo: Netflix/YouTube

Prince Harry is putting down roots in the United States.

On Dec. 4, the Duke of Sussex, 40, opened up about raising his two kids with wife, Meghan Markle, in the U.S. while in conversation with columnist and Dealbook founder Andrew Ross Sorkin at The New York Times DealBook Online Summit in New York City.

When Sorkin, 47, asked whether he wants to stay in the U.S., especially amid the concerns for his safety in the United Kingdom, Prince Harry said, “I do.”

He continued, “I very much enjoy living here and bringing my kids up here. It’s a part of my life that I never thought I was going to live.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City.Eugene Gologursky/Getty

The Duke of Sussex added, “I feel as though it’s the life that my mom wanted for me. To be able to do the things I’m able to do with my kids that I undoubtedly wouldn’t be able to do in the U.K. — it’s huge. That is a fantastic opportunity and I’m hugely grateful for that.”

Prince Harry and Meghan, 43, share two children, son Prince Archie, 5, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, 3, whom they are raising in Montecito, Calif.

Prince Harry on Dec. 4, 2024; Princess Diana.Eugene Gologursky/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

PEOPLE previously reported that Prince Harry officially changed his listed country of residence on paperwork from the U.K. to the U.S. in 2023, following his move to California with his wife in 2020 after they stepped back from their royal duties.

Around the same time, the Keeper of the Privy Purse announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had “vacated” their Frogmore Cottage in the U.K. in Windsor after being asked to leave the residence.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attend the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024 in Hollywood, Calif.Kevin Mazur/Getty

During the summit, Prince Harry also spoke about disinformation in the media and related it to his late mother’s past experience. “I’ve seen stories written about myself not exactly based in reality, he said at the event. “When you grow up with that environment, you find yourself questioning the validity of the information, but also what other people are thinking as well, and how dangerous it can be over the course of time.”

Prince Harry Delivers Emotional Message About His ‘Mother’s Belief in Young People’ at Diana Award Ceremony

“I think again, when you are kind of trapped within this bubble, it kind of feels like there’s no way out,” he added. “What happened to my mom and the fact that I was a kid and felt helpless, there comes the inner turmoil. I felt helpless. One of my biggest weaknesses is feeling helpless.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 on Dec. 4, 2024 in New York City.Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Prince Harry continued to express fear that the culture would affect his family, saying, “What worried me most was worrying that would happen to me, or to my wife, or to my kids.”

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The event had a starry lineup with other mainstage interviews including Jeff Bezos, Bill Clinton, Alex Cooper, Serena Williams, Open AI co-founder Sam Altman, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

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Meghan previously participated in the summit in November 2021.

The Duchess of Sussex recently opened up about her love for spending the holidays with her family in an interview with Marie Claire, during which she noted that “every year it gets better.”

“At first, I think as a mom with children you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet,” she said. “But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year.”

(Left) Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale at the UPSA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida on April 12, 2024. (Right) A promotional poster for “POLO” on Netflix. Photo: Jason Koerner/Getty; Netflix

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were totally focused on bringing the world of polo to Netflix with their new documentary series, Polo, the show’s executive producer and showrunner Miloš Balać says.

Polo premieres on Netflix on Dec. 10, taking viewers into what’s nicknamed “the sport of kings” across five episodes. The series follows elite global players as they saddle up in Wellington, Florida, for the U.S. Open Polo Championship, pulling back the curtain on the glamorous equestrian sport and the grit necessary for success.

Avid polo player Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, served as executive producers on the project from their Archewell Productions company and Boardwalk Pictures. Balać (who also served as co-executive producer for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Emmy Award-winning docuseries Welcome to Wrexham on FX) tells PEOPLE that the couple had a true “vision” for bringing it all together.

Prince Harry playing polo at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale at Grand Champions Polo Club on April 12, 2024 in Wellington, Florida.Jason Koerner/Getty

Netflix Releases Trailer for Prince Harry’s POLO: See the Drama Unfold! (Exclusive)

“They were wonderful. They were extremely hands-on,” the showrunner exclusively tells PEOPLE. “They really had a vision for trying to get polo to be accessible to a wider audience. Prince Harry knows the sport inside and out. To be able to have him as someone to bounce ideas off of and then also to get notes from… ‘Maybe if you edit it like this, the polo will just feel even more exciting. Or you got to make sure that the point is played out like this because that’s how you keep it factually accurate,’ ” Balać says. “To have a polo expert in-house with him was so special. I think a lot of projects have EPs that can give great notes, but it’s rare that you have someone who’s truly an expert in the subject that you are documenting.”

The Duke of Sussex has played polo for years and saddles up annually for the Sentebale Polo Cup, his charity’s flagship fundraiser. Balać tells PEOPLE that Prince Harry hoped (as the larger team did) to bring in Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, a father and son set of polo stars. Adolfo is esteemed as one of the best polo players of all time, while his 17-year-old son is an emerging talent.

Courtesy of Netflix

“I think his hope from very early on, which was all of our hopes, is that the Cambiaso’s would be interested and willing to participate because of how much they mean in this world and to the sport and how much they’ve contributed as a whole,” Balać says. “On top of that, just having the incredible story that they have as a father-son duo that have played side by side for so long and [spoiler alert!] were finally playing against each other. So it was definitely early on it was like, ‘Let’s try and get the Cambiasos,’ was something he put on my to-do list and we were able to do it, so that was a great payoff.”

The Duchess of Sussex, meanwhile, has been a supportive spouse and her husband’s’s number one supporter at his polo matches through the years. Balać says that Meghan wanted Polo to capture the welcoming energy of the sideline scene — a little-known aspect of the game.

A scene from Polo.Courtesy of Netflix

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“I think I spoke to them before I ever went to a polo match and it was [Meghan] who really prepped me for how wonderfully casual polo can be,” Balać tells PEOPLE about the Duchess of Sussex’s specific idea for the series.

“Sunday polo on Field One at the U.S. Polo Center is a big to-do where people have champagne brunches and come with their beautiful outfits. But the rest of the week, every polo match is actually so down to earth. It’s a lot of people pulling up in their pickup trucks and their cowboy boots, if not barefoot, with their dogs and their families and their kids to watch the game that they love,” Balać tells PEOPLE. “They’re there not to see and be seen, but to enjoy the sport that they really care about and people show up to that for free and you just pull up and she said that that’s what she loves.”

“She also loves tailgating at a polo match, and that just sort of set a lightbulb in my head where I was like, ‘Oh, this world is really not going to be what I think it is, in a good way,” the showrunner continues. “And we were able to then dig deeper into all the ways that it isn’t what people assume it is.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s longtime friend, Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras, appears in Polo as an expert and was also involved behind the camera as a consulting producer. Balać tells PEOPLE that the strong bond between Prince Harry and Nacho was evident.

“They really are great friends. That much is beyond obvious. When Prince Harry happened to be along for the Sentebale charity match, which we featured, just seeing them together at the polo field was infectious,” he says. “It’s like two buddies who really love each other and love the sport together having a great time and raising money for a good cause was just such a good vibe day. And Nacho really is just a wonderful, lovely human. So anytime he’s around is a good time.”

Nacho Figueras in Polo.Courtesy of Netflix

Figueras, 47, has long supported Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale as an ambassador, and the friends are known to travel the world together to compete in the Sentebale Polo Cup, which fundraises for the charity Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho established in 2006 as a support for young people in southern Africa. Balać called Figueras his “ambassador” to learning more about the world of polo (a sport synonymous with the royal family for generations) and says bringing the game to Netflix screens with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was an unforgettable experience.

“Working with them was definitely special. I think they were amazing collaborators that brought so much energy and passion to the project as a whole. Polo is one of Prince Harry’s greatest passions. It seems that Meghan has adopted it as one of hers too, just in terms of being his partner,” Balać tells PEOPLE. “She also loves the sport, and it was really fun to talk to her about what she loves about [it]. And Harry comes at it from the athlete perspective, so it was great to have both of those perspectives to help inform how I would go about sharing this world.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale at the UPSA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida on April 12, 2024.Yaroslav Sabitov/PA Images via Getty

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On the eve of the premiere of Polo, the showrunner says, “We’re just so excited that this series is coming into the world now. We really hope that people fall in love with this cast of characters. At the end of the day, I want people to know that this isn’t a typical sports documentary. It’s about human stories and finding ways to connect with people who you might not otherwise and along the way fall in love with a sport that you know nothing about. So I just hope people give it a watch and love what they see.”

Prince Harry at an event for Scotty’s Little Soldiers in May 2024. Photo: Scotty’s Little Soldiers

Prince Harry is sending some holiday love to bereaved military children.

On Tuesday, Dec. 10, the Duke of Sussex, 40, joined a virtual Christmas party for 280 children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent in the British armed forces.

During the party hosted by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Harry shared his memories of Christmas and took part in a Q&A with some of the young guests. The charity says the holiday season can be a particularly tough and challenging time for military families who have lost someone on active duty.

“It’s okay to feel however you feel at Christmas,” Harry — whose mother Princess Diana died in 1997 when he was just 12 — told the party, which included young people and families from as far afield as Germany, Thailand and Australia.

“Some people will be celebrating and happy, other people feel reflective, some people will be sad, and maybe you’ll experience every single one of these emotions and that’s absolutely fine.”

“Remember you’ve got each other, you’ve got Scotty’s and you’ve got the people that love you,” added Harry, who is the Global Ambassador for Scotty’s Little Soldiers.

At the party, hosted by experienced party planners Sharky and George, the military children enjoyed a series of interactive games, including building towers with cushions and making snowmen out of toilet paper.

Six members of Scotty’s also joined Harry in answering some questions, something the charity says helped strengthen the feeling of community. The questions ranged from seasonal fun to serving with the military and what it’s like to be bereaved, a spokesperson for the charity said in a release.

Taking part in the questions session alongside Harry was Bethan, 23, whose father David Coomber, died while serving with the Royal Corps of Signals in 2011.

“It was great to have so many members of Scotty’s together,” Bethan said after the party, per the release. “The games were good fun and helped everyone feel involved. I felt a real connection with Prince Harry.”

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2017. Chris Jackson/Getty Images

“The party was upbeat and in no way somber, but Prince Harry reminded us that he understands what we have all been through and that it’s okay to feel a mixture of emotions,” she added. “He also made it clear to us that he is part of the Scotty’s community and proud to support us, which means a lot.”

Nikki Scott, who founded Scotty’s in 2010, following the death of her husband Cpl. Lee Scott in Afghanistan, added in a statement, “Christmas can be a difficult time for bereaved children and young people, but this event reminded our members that they are part of a community that cares and understands.”

Prince Harry, left, with his late mother Princess Diana in May 1995.Anwar Hussein/Getty

“At Scotty’s, we organize a number of in-person events, but having this party virtually meant that it was open to all our members. Events, whether in-person or virtual, help remind our members that they aren’t alone. We also find that after events, families are more likely to get in touch and ask for help if they are struggling.”

She added, “Prince Harry has been a massive supporter of Scotty’s for a number of years and having him at our virtual Christmas party made it really special and memorable for our members.”

Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Vision for Netflix’s Polo: ‘They Were Extremely Hands-On’ (Exclusive)

Scotty’s provides a range of services to its members around the world, including 1:1 bereavement support sessions, which can make a huge difference to a family. It has supported over 730 bereaved military children and young people and it estimates that each year 2,100 children are newly bereaved of a parent who served in the British military.

Prince Harry on his last visit to the U.K. for his WellChild charity, in Sept. 2024.Chris Jackson/Getty

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It is aiming for a long-term goal of supporting over 1,000 young people annually by 2030.

Scotty’s is one of several U.K. organizations that Harry has kept in contact with since he left the U.K. and stopped being a working member of the royal family.

A source has confirmed to PEOPLE that Harry, Meghan Markle, 43, and children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, will spend the holiday in the U.S. They have not been invited to the royal family’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham, Norfolk.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry featured their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in their holiday card for the first time in years, but the five other photos they chose were also loaded with meaning.

On Dec. 16, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent season’s greetings by issuing a collage-style card featuring six pictures on a deep green background.

“On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation,” said the message from the couple’s office, production company and charitable foundation. “We wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year.”

Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, snuck a surprise into the collage by incorporating an image with their son Prince Archie, 5, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 3. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are raising their young children outside of the limelight in Montecito, California, making it unexpected that the kids were included in the holiday montage. The outdoor snap captured the children from behind as they excitedly ran towards their parents, who had their arms open. Prince Harry and Meghan looked at their children with love, and the family’s three dogs were at their feet.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2024 holiday card.Archewell

Prince Harry Spoke of Daughter Princess Lilibet’s Long Red Hair Recently — and It’s on Display in the Sussex Holiday Card!

Though the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sent pictures with their kids as their holiday greetings previously, they hadn’t done so since 2021. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were last seen briefly in some scenes of their parents’ docuseries Harry & Meghan on Netflix, which debuted in December 2022. Two years later, Archie and Lilibet looked that much more grown up. Both kids were taller, and Lilibet’s hair was long, calling back to Harry’s previous comment that his children were “blessed with their mother’s thick hair.”

The shot didn’t show Archie and Lili’s faces, aligning with Harry and Meghan’s conscientious choice to keep their kids’ lives private.

“Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats. He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm,” a friend told PEOPLE over the summer.

Prince Harry, Princess Lilibet, Meghan Markle and Prince Archie in their 2024 holiday card.Archewell

How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Holiday Card with Archie and Lilibet Aligns with Their Desire to Protect Them

“As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself,” the friend said, referring to the fate of Prince Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.

The couple spread cheer by bringing their kids into the holiday card in a careful way this year, but it’s not the only one the family is sending this season! PEOPLE understands that this card is meant for professional use, and that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent a separate, private card to close friends and family which will not be shared publicly.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in San Basilio de Palenque in Cartagena, Colombia on Aug. 17, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

The other five pictures in Prince Harry and Meghan’s multi-photo card were from the couple’s trips to Nigeria in May and Colombia in August. The five pictures were all previously seen and captured the couple on the ground during each excursion.

Photos chosen from the trip to Colombia included Meghan hugging a young student at Colegio La Giralda, Harry kissing Meghan’s head in a tender moment at a stop at the National Centre for the Arts in Bogotá and the couple in San Basilio de Palenque near Cartagena, established as the first free African town in the Americas in 1619. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Colombia to further the work of their charitable Archewell Foundation and other close causes, and the foundation said it gave contributions to benefit Colegio La Giralda and San Basilio de Palenque.

Meghan Markle at Colegio La Giralda in Bogota, Colombia on Aug. 16, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

The shots in the card from the trip to Nigeria included Prince Harry, a British Army veteran and founding patron of the Invictus Games, holding hands with a wounded soldier at the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna. The empathetic move was reminiscent of Princess Diana’s warm way, and the photo was taken by Harry and Meghan’s friend, celebrated photographer Misan Harriman.

Prince Harry was totally focused on the soldier in a video captured by PEOPLE’s chief foreign correspondent Simon Perry, who exclusively covered the trip. “Are they helping you? Are you feeling better?” Prince Harry asked at the bedside of Private Habu Sadiq. “Get better, be strong,” Harry told the soldier, who had suffered from impaired eyesight due to a blast.

Royal Comparison: The Different Ways Kate and Meghan Approach Royal Life

by Laurel Kornfeld

This article was originally published on starandstyle.com

From the moment both Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, came into each other’s lives, there was no denying that people would inadvertently compare the two, From stepping into the world of motherhood or whether it was witnessing not one but two spectacular British royal weddings in recent years. These two regal women are intertwined for the rest of their lives. However, as we take a closer look at both women, you might spot some subtle differences that could offer hints about Harry and Meghan’s eventual decision to step away from their official royal duties. The clues are there; it’s up to you to decipher them…

Kate’s Kids Do Royal Appearances

When Kate Middleton walked down the aisle to wed Prince William, she knew that she was not only marrying the man she loved but also embracing a lifetime of significant responsibilities as a key member of the British royal family. Her destiny? Very possibly, that of a future Queen consort. Being part of the royal clan involves an astonishing number of official engagements, tallying up to approximately 2,000 each year, which includes the grandeur of royal tours across the globe.

The senior members of the royal family carry the profound duty of dedicating their lives to the service of the people within the Commonwealth. This commitment extends even to the young heirs to the throne, such as Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. However, during their formative years, the family strives to shield their private lives from the intense public spotlight, allowing them to grow and learn away from the constant glare of the world.

Archie is Kept Out of the Public Eye

Meghan is adamant about shielding little Archie from the storm of negativity she herself weathered when thrust into the royal limelight. Her determination stems from the harsh media scrutiny she endured during her tenure as a British royal. Prince Harry, too, bears the scars of his late mother, Princess Diana’s, tumultuous relationship with the press, making him fiercely protective of both his wife and son, Archie.

In their quest for a more peaceful existence, Meghan and Harry felt they had no alternative but to step away from the relentless public gaze following the arrival of Archie. The couple cited the unrelenting scrutiny as a primary factor in their decision. As a glimmer of hope amidst the upheaval, in February 2021, they joyfully announced the impending arrival of their second child.

Making Their Wedding Entrance

It’s truly mind-boggling to imagine the immense weight of expectations that bore down on Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle as they took those momentous strides down the aisle, knowing that the entire world had its eyes locked on them. As Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, made her way towards her future with her father, Michael Middleton, by her side, the world held its collective breath.

In contrast, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, faced an unexpected twist in her wedding journey. Her father, grappling with health issues, couldn’t make the journey to London for the grand event. Undeterred, Meghan boldly walked down the aisle unaccompanied until she was graciously met halfway by King Charles in a poignant moment that showcased both resilience and the royal family’s unwavering support.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex included their kids front and center in this year’s holiday card

By
Janine Henni

Janine Henni

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world’s most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

People Editorial Guidelines

and
Erin Hill

Updated on December 16, 2024 02:51PM EST

 

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are spreading cheer this holiday season with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

On Dec. 16, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled their 2024 holiday card, featuring a new picture of their kids, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. The shot — one of six in the multi-photo greeting — captures the children from behind as they excitedly run toward their parents.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet look more grown up than ever in the image, which includes the family’s three dogs. The card show Meghan smiling towards Archie and Harry squatting to greet Lili, confirming his recent comments about her long hair — red, just like her older brother’s.

“On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation,” the card’s message said on a deep green background. The montage featured five other shots of Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, during their trips to Nigeria and Colombia this year. “We wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty; Archewell

It’s a rare glimpse of the kids, who were last seen when they were briefly shown in the couple’s docuseries Harry & Meghan, which debuted on Netflix in December 2022.

PEOPLE understands that while this card is meant for professional use, the family has sent a separate, private card to their close friends and family, which will not be shared publicly.

Over the summer, a friend told PEOPLE that Harry was eager to keep his children’s lives private to protect them.

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie.Archewell

“Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats. He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm,” the friend said.

“As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself,” the friend added, referring to the fate of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana.

This year, the couple continued tradition by including The Archewell Foundation in their season’s greetings. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex established the charity as a vehicle for their philanthropic work in 2020, and have involved Archewell in the release of their holiday card for the last three years.

Prince Harry has reportedly taken a significant step by contacting divorce lawyers, sparking speculation about a potential split from Meghan Markle. This revelation has ignited widespread discussions among royal insiders and media outlets about the future of the couple, who once captivated the world with their love story.

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced relentless public scrutiny. Their move to California, intended as a fresh start, seems to have brought its own challenges. Reports suggest Harry is feeling increasingly isolated amid the media frenzy surrounding their lives.Sources close to the Duke and Duchess reveal that mounting tensions and heated arguments have led Harry to seek legal advice about a potential divorce. Friends of the Duke have noted his struggle to balance loyalty to his royal family and his commitment to Meghan, especially as his relationship with the monarchy remains strained.

 

Reported differences in their lifestyles appear to be contributing to marital challenges. Meghan has reportedly embraced a more independent, celebrity-driven approach, while Harry is said to yearn for a life more in line with traditional royal values. Public controversies, including candid interviews and Harry’s revealing memoir, have further amplified these tensions.

While these revelations have garnered significant public attention, they have also drawn criticism, impacting both their image and their standing within the royal family. Friends close to Harry say he is feeling increasingly disconnected and overwhelmed, raising concerns about his emotional well-being.

A potential divorce would also raise questions about its impact on their children, Archie and Lilibet. Both Harry and Meghan are reportedly committed to co-parenting amicably, but a split could have lasting effects on their family dynamic.

Interestingly, despite the rumors, sources close to the couple suggest they remain steadfast in their commitment to one another. A source revealed that Harry and Meghan have vowed to avoid divorce, citing their shared experiences as children of divorced parents. Early in their marriage, they reportedly promised to prioritize their relationship and the well-being of their children, aiming to provide Archie and Lilibet with a stable and nurturing upbringing.Living in Montecito, California, the Sussexes have often spoken about their dedication to their children and their shared goals. While the challenges they face are undeniable, their commitment to avoiding the mistakes of the past offers a glimmer of hope for their future.

 

As the world watches Harry and Meghan navigate these turbulent times, whether they reconcile their differences or part ways remains uncertain. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of balancing love, family, and personal identity under the intense scrutiny of public life.

Zoe Ball was overcome with emotion as she was treated to a farewell lunch by a handful of her BBC Radio 2 colleagues on Tuesday.

The DJ and TV star, 54, enjoyed a meal at London’s swanky Langan’s Brasserie towards the beginning of the week and doting mum Zoe was clearly feeling sentimental about leaving her team behind, appearing to become emotional at one point during the evening.

Zoe seemingly wiped away a tear with her hand, but before long the ex-wife of hitmaker Fatboy Slim had a huge grin on her face as she enjoyed one last hurrah with her co-workers.

Zoe seemingly wiped away a tear with her right hand ( 
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Her upmarket dinner comes just over a month after Zoe confirmed she’d be stepping down from her Radio 2 role, an announcement that followed her extended absence over the summer in the wake of her mother Julia Peckham’s death in April.

Zoe lifted her left hand to her face to wipe her eye ( 
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TOPSTAR-WJ_Images / BACKGRID)

But Zoe was in high spirits on Tuesday evening and looked typically stylish in an edgy all-black look. The mum-of-two was joined by the likes of Richie Anderson and Tina Daheley, who clearly treated the much-loved DJ to a special farewell gift, with Zoe bundling solo out of the posh eatery clutching an enormous yellow Selfridges bag.

Zoe was smiling again before long ( 
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TOPSTAR-WJ_Images / BACKGRID)

Before hopping into a waiting car and being whisked home, Zoe – who will present her last show on Friday – made sure to give her Radio 2 family a big hug.

Announcing the news last month, Zoe told her fans: “After six years of fun times alongside you all on the breakfast show, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the early alarm call and start a new chapter.

“You know I think the world of you all, listeners, and it truly has been such a privilege to share the mornings with you, to go through life’s little ups and downs, we got through the lockdown together, didn’t we? We’ve shared a hell of a lot, the good times, the tough times, there’s been a lot of laughter. And I am going to miss you cats.”

Zoe hopped into a waiting car and being whisked home ( 
Image:
TOPSTAR-WJ_Images / BACKGRID)

Zoe bundled out of the eatery with a Selfridges bag ( 
Image:
TOPSTAR-WJ_Images / BACKGRID)
Zoe has appeared on various TV shows over the years though, including presenting Strictly Come Dancing companion show It Takes Two for the BBC from 2011 to 2020. She’s also worked with other broadcasters, including more recently hosting ITV talent show Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream last year and appearing as a cast member on Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox.

She rose to fame more than three decades ago as an on-screen presenter, fronting shows like SMart, Live & Kicking and Top of the Pops in the 1990s. She however pursued opportunities as a radio host during the decade too and in recent years has become known for work on BBC Radio. She’ll be replaced on Radio 2 by Scott Mills.

Among those in the studio for Zoe’s final week was Robbie Williams, who congratulated her on her “service to entertainment. And she teased her next move when the Angels star said: “I know this is not the end completely for you.”

The radio host quipped: “Or is it? I’m taking up gardening. I’m going to work in a garden centre”. He then quickly tweaked his planned tribute to tell the DJ: “Well I just want to say thank you for your services SO FAR to the entertainment world, to BBC Radio 2, to all that have gone before you and will come after you, but to you in particular.

There could be a deadly twist on Emmerdale in upcoming episodes, following a sickening twist for two characters.

Ruby Miligan’s heartbreaking past was recently exposed, as it emerged she had been sexually abused by her own father Anthony Fox when she was a teenager. Ruby featured in a flashback episode recently where we saw her once again abused by her father on her 16th birthday.

Fans are now predicting that her daughter Stephanie could be Anthony’s biological child, not the daughter of her husband Caleb Miligan. Ahead of the storyline escalating, fans are predicting drama for the family ahead of the truth coming out.

With Anthony seemingly close to working out Ruby’s recent fling with Cain Dingle and him also coming between her and Steph, it’s clear he’s up to no good. While feigning that all he wants is forgiveness and to be a part of the family following his cancer diagnosis, he’s continued to taunt Ruby leaving her uncomfortab

Emmerdale: Caleb and Ruby learn more about Nicky’s crash

From his cryptic comments to his hints as well as him trying to get closer to the daughter he sickeningly abused, Anthony is pushing Ruby to the limit. Spoilers for upcoming episodes have revealed this only gets worse when he rumbles a secret, but also he wins over Ruby’s family.

 

Denise Welch admits it’s ‘an honour’ after landing important ITV Emmerdale storyline

Fans are now predicting that her daughter Stephanie could be Anthony’s biological child, not the daughter of her husband Caleb Miligan. Ahead of the storyline escalating, fans are predicting drama for the family ahead of the truth coming out.

With Anthony seemingly close to working out Ruby’s recent fling with Cain Dingle and him also coming between her and Steph, it’s clear he’s up to no good. While feigning that all he wants is forgiveness and to be a part of the family following his cancer diagnosis, he’s continued to taunt Ruby leaving her uncomfortable.
There could be a deadly twist on Emmerdale in upcoming episodes ( 
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ITV)
Ruby will be on edge as she continues to spiral following his return to her life, with no one knowing the truth. But with Ruby tipped to speak her truth in an upcoming episode, fans now believe a dark twist is on the way.

Viewers are convinced that when Caleb finds out what really happened to his wife all those years ago and with Anthony being in the village, he may take revenge. If not him, maybe Steph or another family member will want payback.

Fans are speculating Anthony might be killed off in a brutal twist, as someone commits the ultimate crime to see him pay for hurting Ruby. Taking to X, one viewer theorised: “I have a feeling that Ruby’s dad will either end up dropping dead or Ruby/Caleb will end up killing him.”

Another fan said of the idea: “Ruby killing Antony?” A third viewer commented: “I hope that Steph and Caleb find out about the abuse and murder Ruby’s dad together,” while a fourth fan begged bosses: “Can someone kill Anthony please,” The storyline is set to continue, and this New Year will see Ruby confide in Caleb’s sister Chas Dingle, after a scary showdown with Anthony at Christmas.