Meghan Markle feels it’s “crucial” for her and Prince Harry to stay in California over the Christmas holidays, it is claimed.

Royal fans had been eagerly anticipating the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s return to the UK for festive celebrations with the Royal family.

The couple last joined the Royal Christmas festivities in 2018. While the Windsors usually gather at Sandringham for Christmas, Meghan and Harry have spent recent years in the US.

An insider claimed that Meghan prefers to maintain a low-key Christmas at their Montecito home.

The source revealed: “In her view, it’s crucial for them all to be at home in Montecito during the holidays – especially after the strain they’ve been under lately.”

The Sussexes have recently taken some time apart due to their demanding schedules.

Last month saw Harry busy with commitments in New York, South Africa, and the UK, while Meghan did not accompany him, instead making an appearance on the red carpet at a Los Angeles gala, reports TheMirrorUS.

Speaking to Heat Magazine, the insider indicated that Meghan sees the Christmas season as a chance for her and Harry to “press pause” following intense periods of work.

An insider scoffed at the notion of Harry persuading Meghan to spend Christmas in the UK with the Royal family, branding it “The idea of Harry getting her to agree to Christmas in the UK with the royal family is laughable.”

It’s suggested that Harry and Meghan are not on the same wavelength, with Harry reportedly yearning to spend the festive period with his late mother’s family in the UK.

The couple have reportedly been invited to celebrate Christmas at Althorp House in Northamptonshire, the home of Harry’s uncle Charles Spencer.

Royal correspondent Emily Andrews reported in Woman Magazine that Harry is “keen” to spend the holidays back in England. The Sussexes have only celebrated Christmas with the royals twice – in 2017 and 2018.

Their relationship with the family has been tense since they stepped down in 2020.