While the real Royals — William, Catherine, Charles, and Camilla — were sipping mulled wine at Sandringham and enjoying a traditional royal Christmas, Harry’s holiday was quite different. Where was he? Not in California or Sandringham, but reportedly at Althorp, seemingly lost in his own version of royal hide-and-seek.

To begin with, Harry and Meghan didn’t even get an invite to Sandringham. Meghan apparently spent Christmas at home, possibly rehearsing for her next Oscar-worthy monologue about how their family is just like any other. She likely quipped, “Oh, we’re just like every other family! We eat, we play games, someone strums a guitar — totally low-key.” Sure, Meghan. Because nothing says “relatable” like having feminist icon Gloria Steinem crash your Thanksgiving.Imagine little Archie and Lilibet setting out carrots for Santa’s reindeer while Meghan plots her next Netflix docuseries. But here’s where things take a twist: rumors suggest Harry ditched the California festivities to spend Christmas at Althorp, his mother’s childhood home and final resting place. If true, Harry left Meghan and the kids behind for some soul-searching time with his uncle, Charles Spencer.

Speculation is rife that Uncle Charles may be imparting some royal wisdom—perhaps even the “Royal Divorce Playbook” on how to sever ties without losing titles. If Harry did sneak off to Althorp, one big question remains: did Meghan even know? Let’s be real, if she did, we’d have already seen a People Magazine exclusive titled “Harry Visits Beloved Althorp, Missing His Beautiful Wife Meghan.” But no such headline exists.

Could it be that Harry’s finally realized Meghan might be the “family leaker”? Perhaps he chose not to tell her to keep his plans out of the tabloids. Naturally, the internet has exploded with commentary. One popular take reads: “Harry’s case for needing security is toast. He’s perfectly safe when Meghan doesn’t know his whereabouts.” Others speculated that Uncle Charles might be teaching Harry the art of quiet divorces.

Criticism abounds. Some ask, “What kind of father abandons his kids on Christmas?” Poor Archie and Lilibet, reportedly stuck with “Migraine Meghan” and Doria. Ouch. It’s not exactly the picture of holiday cheer.

On one hand, it’s understandable that Harry feels a deep connection to his mother’s memory. Visiting Althorp on Christmas could be his way of honoring Diana. But at what cost? Skipping Christmas with his own family doesn’t exactly bolster his image as a devoted dad. And let’s not forget, this fuels the ever-present divorce rumors.

Oh, and remember when Harry vehemently denied living apart from Meghan? This little Althorp escapade doesn’t do much to support that claim. In the end, Harry’s Christmas mystery feels like a Hallmark movie gone off the rails. Is he mourning his mother? Escaping family drama? Plotting his next publicity stunt? Who knows.

What we do know is that the Royals at Sandringham probably had a good laugh about it over their Christmas pudding. As for Harry, wherever he spent Christmas, one thing is certain: the Sussex circus isn’t folding its tent anytime soon. Merry Christmas, Harry, wherever you are.