Context:

This Christmas, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are celebrating in Montecito, California, with their children, away from the British royal family gathered in Sandringham. Despite a recent brief reunion between Prince Harry and King Charles that raised hopes for reconciliation, Harry's ongoing security concerns prevent him from traveling to the U.K. with his family. The couple's decision to remain in California reflects their ongoing separation from royal duties since 2020. Meghan has shared their holiday traditions, including personalized Advent calendars for their children. Looking forward, the potential for a closer relationship between Harry and the royals remains uncertain.

Dive Deeper:

• Meghan Markle and Prince Harry relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back from their royal roles, choosing to spend Christmas there with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

• The reunion between Prince Harry and King Charles in September lasted less than an hour, highlighting the ongoing rift within the royal family despite being described as a 'massive step in the right direction' by a former spokeswoman for Queen Elizabeth.

• Harry expressed a desire for reconciliation during a May interview and acknowledged that his memoir, 'Spare', had complicated family communications.

• Security concerns have made Prince Harry reluctant to bring his family to the U.K., as he has indicated a need for official protection while there.

• Meghan's Netflix special, 'With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration', features her holiday traditions, including cooking family recipes and creating personalized notes for her children.

• Prince Harry recently participated in a snow polo tournament in Aspen prior to the holidays, spending time with friend Nacho Figueras.