Meghan Markle will 'envy' one thing as she misses major royal event, expert claims

Meghan Markle will "envy" one thing this year as she is set to miss a major royal event, an expert has said. While the festive season is still a few months away, it has been reported that invites to spend Christmas with the Royal Family have already been sent, with Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry not expected to be on the guest list.

While Meghan, 44, and Harry, 41, have not commented on this situation, it is not believed to be a surprise for the couple, who have not spent Christmas at Sandringham since 2018. However, while the couple may not be bothered about spending Christmas in the UK, it is believed the duchess could be left annoyed by one thing.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said that Meghan "will certainly envy" the publicity the Royal Family will receive on Christmas Day.

He said: "Meghan, after a decidedly lacklustre year, will certainly envy the worldwide publicity the monarch's Christmas message and the walk to St Mary Magdalene on Christmas morning will invariably receive.

"This year, as the thoughts of many around the Commonwealth and the wider world turn to the royal family at Christmas, especially given King Charles's health struggle and with Catherine in remission, the Sussexes will noticeably be absent yet again.

"They will doubtless enjoy Christmas in California but considering how erratically and destructively they have behaved since Megxit, they are not likely to be missed!"

Meghan and Harry last spent Christmas with the Royal Family at Sandringham in 2018.

Their children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, have never spent a festive season in the UK.

While Meghan has criticised many aspects of royal life since she quit the Firm with Harry in 2020, it is believed she did enjoy Christmas with the Royal Family.

Recalling her first Christmas with the royals in 2017 on the Netflix docuseries Harry and Meghan, the duchess said: "I remember so vividly the first Christmas at Sandringham, calling my mom, and she's like 'How's it going?' and I said 'Oh my gosh it's amazing'.

"It's just like a big family like I always wanted. And there was just this constant movement and energy and fun."