Meghan Markle and Prince Harry won’t be with the royals this Christmas, but they still gave their Instagram followers a big present: lots of new Archie photos. The couple shared their Christmas card this year, featuring their son front and center. Archie has grown so much since Africa!
Ahead of the release of their card, E! was told by a source that Meghan and Harry had a really different royal Christmas card coming. Unlike other royal family members, the two purposely included Archie’s grandmother from the other side of their family—in this case, Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.
“Harry and Meghan are said to want [to] ensure that some of their Christmas card images reflect that Doria is very much part of their family and of Archie’s upbringing,” a source told E!. “It is a break with protocol from traditional royal Christmas cards, which haven’t historically included grandparents. For instance, Kate’s parents—Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton—have never appeared on any of their Christmas card images.”
Meghan and Harry have been spending time with Doria abroad during their six week break from public duty. The two’s spokesperson announced last month that the couple would not be attending Christmas at Sandringham with the Queen and royal family.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month,” the spokesperson said. “Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria Ragland. This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen.”