Meghan Markle, now firmly rooted in her American lifestyle, has opened up about her family’s festive plans while subtly reflecting on her departure from the royal family. Some critics suggest her remarks contain a thinly veiled critique of her past life as a senior royal.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will celebrate Christmas at their $14 million Montecito mansion. This year’s low-key holiday, spent in the warmth of California, highlights the stark contrast between Meghan’s current life and the formalities of royal traditions.
“Every Year It Gets Better”
In a candid interview with Marie Claire, Meghan shared her joy about the season, noting, “Every year it gets better,” especially as her children grow old enough to appreciate the festivities. The couple’s focus on a cozy, family-centered celebration often includes Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, reinforcing their preference for simplicity over grandeur.
Their Christmas customs stand in sharp contrast to the regimented celebrations of Sandringham, where royal family members gather annually. Meghan experienced only two such holidays as a royal—one in 2017 and another in 2018—both marked by Queen Elizabeth II’s unprecedented gestures of inclusion.
Royal Family Dynamics
The late Queen had high hopes for Meghan, reportedly fast-tracking her integration into royal life. From inviting her to a Commonwealth Day service to making exceptions for her presence at Sandringham pre-wedding, the Queen saw Meghan as a valuable asset—a sentiment not often extended to outsiders.
However, behind the scenes, tensions simmered. Reports suggest the Queen grew concerned about Meghan’s independence, particularly when the actress declined Duchess Sophie’s mentorship, a traditional guide for newcomers to royal life. Meghan’s modernity, while initially seen as refreshing, became a point of contention as she and Prince Harry drifted from royal duties.
A Fresh Start or a Pointed Statement?
Critics have interpreted Meghan’s comments about her current happiness as a subtle dig at the royal family, especially given their estranged relationship since the couple’s Netflix series and Harry’s bombshell memoir, Spare. Yet Meghan refrains from overtly addressing the drama, choosing instead to emphasize her family’s contentment in their chosen path.
As the Sussexes settle into another peaceful holiday season, speculation abounds over whether Meghan’s words carry more weight than they appear. For a couple that has redefined the boundaries of royal protocol, their understated Christmas may symbolize more than just a lifestyle choice—it might reflect a declaration of independence.