Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 'bittersweet' Christmas as they're 'missing' family

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be celebrating Christmas with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, in Montecito, California, but the festive season will be 'bittersweet' for the couple

As the festive season approaches, Meghan Markle has given a rare glimpse into her family life with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. The Duchess of Sussex sweetly revealed that Christmas gets better 'every year' as their children grow older. However, the holiday season may also bring mixed feelings for the couple. Despite their blissful life in Montecito, California, Christmas could be bittersweet for them, reports OK!.

A source claims: "For Harry. it reminds him that he doesn't have any of his side of the family to celebrate with. The kids won't be seeing their cousins, and that was one of his favourite things growing up – all the cousins playing together at Sandringham. It may well even hurt seeing all the royals together, going to church and just enjoying each other's company". Meghan, 43, also finds the festive period 'tough', albeit for different reasons.

With her mother, Doria Ragland, likely to be involved in their celebrations, there will be a notable absence - her estranged father, Thomas Markle. "Meghan only has her mum, as there's almost zero chance of a reconciliation between her and her dad." Meghan Markle's half-sister recently made a heartfelt plea, claiming that their father Thomas, 80, who suffered a heart attack in 2018 and a stroke in 2022, is facing serious health issues. She has urged Meghan to mend fences with him before it's "too late"

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex revealed in her Netflix documentary that she cut ties with her father before tying the knot with Prince Harry, after he was busted orchestrating photoshoots with paparazzi for money. As the festive season approaches, Prince Harry's thoughts will likely drift to his own estranged family, including King Charles and Kate Middleton, who have both faced cancer battles this year, and whom he used to be very close with.

Last spending Christmas on UK soil in 2018 with a then-pregnant Meghan anticipating baby Archie, Harry will undoubtedly catch sight of pictures of Prince William and Kate accompanying King Charles, Camilla, and relatives on their customary walk to Church on Christmas morning at the Church of St Mary Magdalene—a service he once attended alongside them, in happier times. Family memories may stir up feelings of regret for Harry, as he considers his children's lack of connection with their British family members and cousins — missing out on the joyous exchange of presents and fun festive games that he enjoyed during his own childhood.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from Royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the US, have been open about their criticisms of the Royal Family, including claims that more could have been done to support Meghan during her time in the UK. Despite their decision to build a new life in California, Christmas is often a 'bittersweet' time for the couple. The source revealed: "They both really wish that they could have all their families together and have a huge Christmas but they know that will never happen. So they have to make new memories and traditions with their children and those close to them."

The couple are indeed creating new traditions. In a recent interview, Meghan described their Thanksgiving celebrations as 'always low-key' and expressed gratitude for being able to spend the holidays with her mother Doria, 68, who lives nearby. She emphasised the importance of inviting friends without family to their celebrations, saying: "We're always making sure we have something to do. Like any other family, you spend time having a great meal and then what do you do? Play games, all the same stuff, someone brings a guitar - fun."

The mother-of-two also stressed the importance of their children experiencing traditional festivities like leaving out "carrots for the reindeer." Our source reveals: "Christmas is Meghan 's favourite time of year, she loves seeing everyone over for Thanksgiving, and then they are in full on countdown mode for Christmas. This year feels special because both children fully 'get it' - they've been talking about Santa and Christmas for weeks."

Delving deeper into the festive preparations, they add, "They always wait until Thanksgiving is over before putting up their tree and decorations but they will go OTT! The kids will have their own tree to decorate, while the main tree will be a bit more colour coordinated! They will have lots of people over for the holidays - Doria will even move in for a bit. Harry is also very excited and loves seeing how excited Archie and Lili are getting. He sometimes can't believe how lucky he is to have them."

Amidst the joy, there's a tinge of sadness as they miss absent family members - but Harry and Meghan are set to embrace the holiday spirit with their young ones this Christmas.