King Charles is reportedly grappling with deep nervousness as the prospect of a reunion with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Harry looms, exacerbating an already strained relationship within the royal family.
A palace insider has revealed that the King is apprehensive about engaging in discussions with the Sussexes, fearing the potential leaking of conversations that could further complicate an already delicate situation.
Despite swirling rumours that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are contemplating a return to the UK for the holidays, however, an authoritative royal source claimed there is “no chance” of an invitation being extended to the couple.
The source claimed that King Charles harbours a genuine desire to gather his entire family for a festive Christmas celebration but conceded that lingering hostility, particularly from the Prince and Princess of Wales, presents a significant obstacle.
The royal insider said to Vanity Fair: “The King would cherish the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with his sons and all his grandchildren, but the complexities of the situation are undeniable, and the Sussexes’ presence is highly unlikely.”
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They added: “The ongoing hostility towards Harry and Meghan, particularly from the Prince and Princess of Wales, complicates matters further. Charles is also deeply nervous about the potential risks of conversations being leaked by the Sussex camp, which is why such interactions have been minimal.”
While Prince William and Princess Kate will spend Christmas day with the Royal Family and a second celebration at Anmer Hall with the Middleton family, Queen Camilla’s children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, and their families have received invitations to join the royal festivities this Christmas.
In a departure from previous years, Christmas dinner is set to be served in the white drawing room instead of the dining room, where the late Queen traditionally hosted the festive meal, due to the increased number of attendees.
Following the age-old tradition, the entire Royal Family plans to attend church on Christmas morning before engaging with members of the public.
For New Year’s Eve, King Charles is expected to remain in Norfolk, a deviation from his customary New Year celebrations in Scotland.
Palace sources suggest that he will prolong his stay in Norfolk before heading to the Highlands later in January, marking a shift in his usual New Year’s plans.
