The Bizarre Christmas Tradition Prince Harry Enforces on His Kids Archie & Lilibet
While his children have grown up removed from the traditions of the monarchy, it appears Harry has been determined to pass down a cherished royal Christmas practice.
Prince Harry shocked everyone in 2020 when he and his wife, Meghan Markle, made the unprecedented decision to step back from their royal duties. United in purpose, the couple chose to relinquish their royal roles and relocate to the US, seeking a more private life away from the relentless scrutiny. While their children have grown up largely removed from the traditions of the monarchy, it appears Harry has been determined to ensure they still experience the magic of the festive season just as he once did. As whispers of reconciliation with the royal family continue and the holidays draw near, a cherished royal Christmas tradition Harry has passed down to his children has now come to light.
Markle has spoken about the British traditions she delights in sharing with her children, including crafting personalized Christmas crackers, as revealed on With Love, Meghan. Though Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have never celebrated Christmas in the UK, their parents make a concerted effort to introduce them to their royal roots.
The royal family famously follows German Christmas customs, which were introduced by Queen Victoria and her German-born husband, Prince Albert. It includes traditions such as exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve and decorating the tree ahead of the big day. Harry has lovingly instilled the same in his own household, ensuring his children open their presents in keeping with royal custom and experience the warmth, wonder, and nostalgia of the Christmases he once knew. As highlighted by Express UK, in his 2023 memoir, Spare, Harry described how he celebrated the festivities. He wrote, “It was Christmas Eve. We FaceTimed with several friends, including a few in Britain." “We watched Archie running around the tree. And we opened presents. Keeping to the Windsor family tradition," he added.
The couple last celebrated Christmas with the royal family in 2018 and ever since have been on their own. Since their departure, Harry and Markle have maintained minimal contact with the royal family. However, hopes of reconciliation briefly flickered in September this year, when Harry reunited with his father, King Charles, after 19 months. Their meeting sparked hopes of a reconciliation as the father and son duo reportedly exchanged gifts, including a picture of Archie and Lilibet. Although the thawing has begun, Harry will spend his Christmas in Montecito and not join his family in the UK.
However, next year things might be different if the review of his UK security works in his favor. His kids might finally visit the UK, and who knows, might even celebrate Christmas together with the royal family.
