Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly furious during their last Christmas as senior royals. The anger followed what they viewed as a Sussex Christmas snub.
In 2019, the couple spent the festive period in Canada with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, and their seven-month-old son, Archie. Reports suggest one moment during Queen Elizabeth’s annual Christmas broadcast pushed them to their limit.
During the address, family portraits were displayed on the Queen’s desk. However, a photo of Harry, Meghan, and Archie was noticeably missing. Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote in Finding Freedom that the couple felt sidelined by the Royal Family.
They reportedly believed the omission proved the family no longer considered them central to the monarchy’s future. The Palace insisted the photos represented the direct line of succession. Despite this explanation, Harry and Meghan interpreted the omission as a personal snub.
The couple also missed the Queen’s pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace. They did not attend the traditional Sandringham gathering on December 25. This marked the second time Prince Harry missed Christmas with his immediate family, the first being during his 2012 Afghanistan tour.
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from senior royal duties. They moved to the United States with Archie and, later, Lilibet.
In 2021, the couple spoke with Oprah Winfrey, explaining their reasons for leaving. They also criticized the Royal Family and shared personal struggles.
In 2022, they released a Netflix docuseries. Harry followed it with his memoir, Spare, in 2023. Both projects detailed ongoing tensions with the Royal Family.
Public appearances and interviews have since highlighted their grievances. Observers often cite the Sussex Christmas snub as a turning point. Many view it as a symbolic moment that contributed to their decision to leave royal life.
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