Meghan Markle’s refusal to travel to the UK could cause a “turning point” in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s marriage, as Prince Harry is said to be keen to spend Christmas in Britain
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been offered a festive olive branch to join Charles Spencer for Christmas at Althorp, yet Meghan’s hesitance to jet back to the UK could throw a spanner in the works.
Insiders claim Prince Harry, 40, is eager to celebrate the season on British soil with his brood, but the Duchess, 43, is still spooked by security worries.
A source close to the couple has spilled the beans, suggesting this snag could be a major crossroads after six years of marriage. “Harry is keen for the Sussexes to spend time in the UK this Christmas with family,” the insider revealed.
“However, there are still concerns lingering over their security.”
The source continued, highlighting Meghan’s consistent unease about returning to Blighty, especially amidst the current climate.
If Meghan Markle decides to show up, which is looking pretty doubtful right now, it’ll be the first time she’s properly stepped foot on UK soil since the late Queen’s funeral in 2022. Word has it that Prince Harry and Meghan haven’t been sent an invite to hang out with the Royals at their traditional Sandringham shindig – and chances are they wouldn’t bother going even if they got one, reports the Express.
The Sussexes were a no-show at the Royal Family’s Christmas do at Sandringham last year. They also didn’t make the cut for the Firm’s “summer summit” at Balmoral the other month.
Prince Harry paid a visit to Althorp House, the ancestral home of the Spencer family and the final resting place of his late mother, during his UK trip in August. The Duke stayed with his uncle Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, at his estate following the memorial service for Diana’s brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes.
This news comes as Harry has extended his current solo trip abroad without Meghan Markle. A well-placed source revealed that the Duke of Sussex was set to return to California this weekend to reunite with his wife Meghan and their two children, but has decided to extend his solo trip by a few more days.
The source also suggested that the Duke is likely to spend some “private time” in Johannesburg and Cape Town with family and friends. Another secret visit, which has been mysteriously left out of his official diary, is also on the cards.
“It’s all very cloak and dagger but Harry has extended his trip abroad by another few days,” the source disclosed. “He’ll likely go to Johannesburg and then to visit family and friends. The Spencers have a home there [in Cape Town] and he has a lot of friends from that part of the world. There’s also another trip planned which has been blanked out of his diary and he’s keen to keep it very private.”
The Sussexes have been contacted for a response.