Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA
As the royal family gathered for their annual Christmas morning walk to church (withPrince George and Princess Charlotte making their debut!), two members were noticeably absent:Meghan MarkleandPrince Harry.
The royal couple are currently on anextended break from royal dutiesand spending the holiday with their 7-month-old sonArchieand Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland in Canada. They previously announced that they would take time off towards the end of the year amid concerns that the intense scrutiny they’ve faced has been tough on the couple. They also revealed that they would bespending Christmas this year with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, instead of with the Queen and the rest of the royal family.
The couple posted an early morning message on their official Instagram on Christmas Day, writing: “Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.” They accompanied their post with three festive emojis, including a Christmas tree, Santa and a snowman.
They also released an adorable card featuring Archie in the lead-up to Christmas.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s 2019 holiday card.
Meghan, 38, made her royal Christmas debut in 2017 shortly after she and Prince Harry, 35, announced their engagement. While pregnant with Archie, who the couple welcomed in May, they appeared alongsidePrince Williamand Kate Middleton again last year.
Kate and William, both 37, previously spent Christmas away from Sandringham and the royal family’s annual celebrations. In 2016, they opted to spend the holiday with Kate’s family — andPrince GeorgeandPrincess Charlottewere spotted attending a church service near Kate’s childhood home in Bucklebury.
While Meghan and Harry missed the festive event, plenty of royals were in attendance. Harry’s nephew and niece,Prince George, 6, andPrincess Charlotte, 4, made their Christmas Day debuts alongside parentsPrince WilliamandKate Middleton.
Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince William and Prince George at Christmas 2019.Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty
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“Just on a human level, if you take everything else out of the equation, I don’t think they’re in very good shape to deal with anything right now,” a friend previously told PEOPLE. “Everyone is hoping that they will come back from this break stronger than ever, and maybe with some time out of the spotlight, they can figure out what path to take next.”
Spending time together as a family will be top priority for Meghan and Harry during their time away.
“Family is going to be very important for Meghan for the holidays,” a source told PEOPLE.
source: people.com
