The first time Prince Harry missed Christmas with the royal family was back in 2012, while serving in the Army during his tour of Afghanistan. The second time was in 2019, when he spent the holiday with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their son, Archie, in Canada. 

They joined Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, for the festivities. However, it seems that more happened during Christmas that year. A 2020 book claims to reveal more details about the couple’s holiday that year before they famously stepped back from their royal duties.

As reported by The Mirror, the book, Finding Freedom, authored by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were upset over a gesture during the Christmas of 2019. The couple was allegedly snubbed during the late Queen Elizabeth's Christmas broadcast.

As the late Queen Elizabeth addressed the viewers, the photos on her desk included pictures of everyone except one of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry with their then-newborn son, Prince Archie.

The authors claimed that the couple felt that the royal family was "conspiring against them.” 

However, the royal sources tell a different story. The book further shared that royal sources claimed that the photos were chosen to represent the "direct line of succession." 

Prince Harry and Markle, however, believed they had "long been sidelined" by the institution and were not considered an important part of its future, as reported by The Mirror.

They felt that it was "yet another sign that they needed to consider their own path,” as per the authors. This sensational news comes amid Markle facing low engagement rates for her show.

Whether or not it was the reason, the couple indeed made a big decision the following year. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines in 2020 when they announced they were stepping back from their roles as senior members. Following this decision, the couple relocated to the States, and it seems, things are not going to change anytime soon.

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According to a source familiar with royal matters, the Sussexes' return to the UK is unlikely at present.

Meghan Markle has reportedly made up her mind not to return to the UK, as per Rob Shuter’s #ShuterScoop. Those close to her say the decision is not new and that she is not looking back.

“You can write it down: Meghan isn’t going back. She’s done entertaining the idea,” royal sources said as per the outlet.

Insiders claim that Markle's priority is her family’s life in the US, where she and Prince Harry have settled with their children. The focus, they say, is on privacy, stability, and raising the kids away from the pressures that come with life in London. So, it is unlikely for the former actress to be visiting the UK anytime soon.

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Have you read the book by Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!