Meghan Markle and Prince Harry take their six-week break and may spend Christmas with the former actress' mom, Doria Ragland, in the United States. As they will be away from the royal family in the celebration of the holidays, the Sussexes have been criticized for their decision to be away from the aging Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on this special family event.
According to Express, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be celebrating Christmas with the royal family. Instead, they will be spending the holidays with the former Suits star's mother in California.
Their decision led to anger some famous personalities in Britain, like the singer-songwriter Sir Rod Stewart. The legendary rock vocalist slammed both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for leaving the country on Christmas season, knowing that their grandmother is "quite elderly."
Rod Stewart pointed out that Queen Elizabeth is already 93-years-old. He even said that he would fly around the world just to be with his mom and dad on Christmas day because he knew they didn't have much left.
"I was disappointed Harry and Meghan decided not to spend Christmas with the Queen," he revealed. The hitmaker added that if he were Prince Harry, he would think that he would have more time in the future to celebrate Christmases with his own family or with Meghan Markle's mom.
Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan has the same sentiments. He said that the royal couple's decision is a "clear snub" to Queen Elizabeth.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will celebrate their first Christmas with their son, Archie Harrison, away from the royal family. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that their decision was in line with the precedents other royals' set. Her Majesty herself even supported it.
Daily Mail Online revealed that Christmas is a family gathering tradition for Queen Elizabeth and is a key date in her calendar. Hence, although she supported Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's decision to have their "much needed" family time, their absence will bring great sadness.
It may also result in frustration as it will only fuel the rumors that they are slipping away from the ties of the "loyalty, family, and duty" that keep the royal family bonded. It will also add up to the speculations that the rift between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, is only getting worse. Although the royal officials don't consider Meghan Markle and her husband's absence as a royal snub, Queen Elizabeth is hoping to have her complete family around for the festive season.
