Insider Reveals Why Harry and Meghan 'Cannot Be Trusted' and Might Never Return for Christmas in UK
Former royal butler Paul Burrell believes the issue stems from trust problems with the Sussexes after their many interviews criticizing the Firm.
Despite Prince Harry's September reunion with King Charles, he and Meghan Markle remain far from receiving an invitation to the royal family's annual Christmas celebration at Sandringham. According to former royal butler Paul Burrell, the issue stems from the royals' alleged trust problems with the Sussexes following their many interviews criticizing the Firm. Burrell also believes that Harry and Markle's presence on Christmas would make the family 'uncomfortable,' as, in his view, there is simply no place for them at Sandringham anymore.
In a conversation with the Daily Express, Burrell revealed that the royal family's annual Christmas celebrations are a private affair, with no need for public attention, something that Harry and Markle's presence would unnecessarily bring. Addressing the possibility of a potential Christmas invite for Harry and Markle, he said, "That will never happen. I've always said it, and I'll say it again: it will never happen. And the reason is simple—you have to consider the dynamics of everyone living under one roof." He argued that including the Sussexes in that very particular 'soup' of royalty would pave the way for a complete disaster.
Further explaining the royal family's alleged trust issues with the Sussexes, Burrell continued, "The family gets along because they understand one another, and they understand the routines and traditions that shape those Christmases. Meghan clearly doesn't, and she wouldn't fit in. And beyond that, her presence would make everyone else uncomfortable as well." In his view, the Duke of Sussex himself would have an 'awful' time if they were invited, as there was no place for him and the Duchess at Sandringham anymore. "They simply cannot be trusted to keep what happens at Sandringham a secret."
Harry and Markle last spent Christmas with the royal family in 2018, shortly after their wedding, making 2025 the seventh year they have not been invited to Sandringham. The decision may allegedly come as a disappointment for Charles, as royal expert Amanda Matta previously noted that he had reportedly hoped for a Christmas reunion with his son. Speaking to Fox News Digital, she claimed that the King "has always felt he's left the door open emotionally." She added, "I doubt an invitation for Prince Harry would be off the table entirely should the King really want to be with his birth family."
While Harry and Markle, as usual, did not receive an invite to the royal family's holiday celebrations, they seemed perfectly content with spending Christmas with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in Montecito. On December 24, the Duchess of Sussex shared a glimpse of her 'cozy' plans in an email sent to As Ever followers, sharing, "I was nibbling on the remnants of our Christmas Eve feast (dim sum this year), wrapping a few last minute gifts, and tip-toeing down the stairs with my husband to make sure 'Santa' had enjoyed his cookies and 'the reindeer' had eaten their carrots."
