Meghan Markle and Prince Harry might be skipping Christmas with the royal family

(Image credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have had an extremely stressful year, passing huge relationship milestones from a big move to Windsor to welcoming their first child, baby Archie.

Most of the stress however has undoubtedly come from external parties, with Meghan made victim to a constant barrage of online abuse since she became a royal.

The couple have recently pursued legal action against the tabloids, and Prince Harry released an emotional statement about his wife and his fears of history repeating itself, with Meghan’s plight similar to his late mother Princess Diana’s.

It’s hardly surprising therefore that the couple need a break, with it reported that the Duke, Duchess and baby Archie will be spending Thanksgiving in America with Meghan’s mother, taking a much-needed six week break from royal duties.

But could the royal couple be spending Christmas abroad?

It has been reported this week that the Duke and Duchess might be bypassing the annual royal family Christmas, spending the day as a family of three.

According to sources, the family of three may choose to stay in California for Christmas, with Meghan's friends and family - namely her mother Doria Ragland - being close by.

The royal family has not yet commented on the speculation.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.