In a gesture that highlights the ongoing bond between Prince Harry and his mother's side of the family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly been invited to spend Christmas at Althorp, the ancestral home of Princess Diana. This invitation comes from Charles Spencer, Diana's brother, who has offered Harry, Meghan, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, a place to celebrate the holidays in the United Kingdom.
The invitation to Althorp holds significant emotional weight for Harry. The estate, located in Northamptonshire, is where his mother, Princess Diana, was laid to rest after her tragic death in 1997. Her grave is situated on a small island within a lake on the estate, a location that is deeply private and accessible only by boat. Harry has visited this sacred site during previous trips to the UK, and it remains a place of profound personal connection for him.
According to a source who spoke to the Express, "Charles [Spencer] has invited Harry, Meghan, and the children to Althorp this Christmas. It's far too early to say whether they will take him up on it, but the offer is there if they want it."
The source added that while an invitation to the Royal Family's traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham has not yet been extended, it's not entirely ruled out. However, even if such an invitation were made, the Sussexes are reportedly unlikely to accept it, given the current state of their relationship with the Royal Family.
This potential Christmas reunion at Althorp would mark a rare visit to the UK for Meghan Markle, who has not returned since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. Prince Harry, however, has made several solo trips back to his home country, including a recent visit to attend the funeral of his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, Diana's brother-in-law. During this trip, Harry stayed at Althorp House, further emphasizing his continued close ties with the Spencer family.
The significance of Althorp in Harry's life cannot be overstated. A friend of the Spencers told The Daily Beast, "Harry visited the grave when he was in Althorp. It's a very special place for all the family but especially Harry. It was a significant part of his motivation for staying there." This connection to his mother's legacy may be a compelling reason for Harry to consider spending Christmas at the estate, offering a quieter and more intimate setting than the often-publicized royal gatherings.
While the Royal Family's relationship with the Sussexes remains strained, the Spencers have reportedly been working behind the scenes to bridge the divide between Harry and his brother, Prince William.
A source told The Daily Beast, "Behind the scenes, the Spencers have been working hard to get the brothers to reconcile. They understand William's hurt at Harry's betrayal, but they also understand Harry's position because of the way Diana was treated by the Windsors." The possibility of a Christmas gathering at Althorp could provide a rare opportunity for reflection and healing, away from the pressures of public life.