Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated Christmas in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking a stark departure from the traditional royal festivities across the Atlantic.

In the past, Christmas for Prince Harry meant a large family gathering steeped in royal traditions. However, since his marriage to Meghan Markle, the couple has spent recent holiday seasons quietly at their Montecito home in California. Their celebrations have been intimate, with Meghan’s mother, Doria, as the only relative joining them. During a recent outing, Meghan hinted at their Christmas plans, mentioning a festive meal, games, and a singalong with a guitar.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward highlighted the contrast between Harry’s former Christmases at Sandringham and his current holiday traditions. She explained: “Christmas at Sandringham was like a ‘golden ticket’ for Harry, with presents opened on Christmas Eve, church on Christmas morning, and a traditional lunch followed by Boxing Day pheasant shooting, party games, and drinks.”

Since his marriage in 2018, Harry has only celebrated one Christmas at Sandringham, the same year he wed Meghan. Instead, the couple has embraced the “happy holidays” traditions of California. Meghan reportedly decorates their home herself, eschewing professional decorators often hired by Montecito’s wealthy residents, and makes gingerbread houses, following American holiday customs.