As the holiday season approaches, Prince William and Princess Kate are keeping their spirits high and focusing on family time, despite the recent release of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's explosive docuseries. An insider exclusively told Closer that the couple is “looking forward to the holidays” and planning a festive celebration with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
“William and Kate are going about business as usual before the children finish school for Christmas at the end of the week,” the source adds. With the festive season just around the corner, the family is gearing up to make it a memorable one, even amid the ongoing family drama.
First Christmas Without the Queen: A New Era for the Royals
This year marks the first Christmas since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who died at the age of 96 on September 8. The loss of the beloved monarch has cast a somber shadow over the holiday season, but the family remains committed to honoring her memory. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as the Sussexes, attended the state funeral service held at Westminster Abbey on September 19. As the family continues to navigate this new chapter, they are finding ways to keep traditions alive while embracing change.
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A Different Holiday Last Year
Last year, the royal family faced unique challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. Unlike previous years, when they would gather at Sandringham for their annual holiday retreat, the late Queen opted to remain at Windsor Castle for safety reasons. Meanwhile, William and Kate, both 40, spent the holiday season with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—at Anmer Hall, located in Norfolk, England. This quiet, intimate setting allowed the family to focus on creating cherished memories together.
Creating Magic for the Kids
For the younger members of the royal family, Christmas is always a magical time of year. Last year, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge transformed Anmer Hall into a winter wonderland for their children. According to an insider, George and Charlotte were particularly excited, constantly begging William to take them to Lapland to meet Father Christmas and all the elves and reindeer. Their enthusiasm reminds us of the universal joy that comes with the holiday season.
Harry and Meghan: Building Their Own Traditions
Meanwhile, across the pond, Harry and Meghan are busy building their own traditions with their growing family. Last year marked their first Christmas as a family of four after the birth of their daughter, Lilibet, in June. The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, are also parents to their eldest child, son Archie. Since stepping back from their royal duties in January 2020, Harry and Meghan have been dividing their time between their home in California and their work with Archwell Productions, where they continue to produce impactful projects.
Opening Up in the Docuseries
The first three episodes of Harry & Meghan were released on Netflix on December 8. Throughout the series, the couple shares intimate details about their relationship, from how they met to navigating life in the global spotlight. In one heartfelt moment, Meghan recalls her first meeting with Kate. “I met her [Kate] for the first time, they came over for dinner,” she said. “I remember I was in ripped jeans, and I was barefoot. I was a hugger, I’ve always been a hugger, and I didn’t realize that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits.”
