The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are spending “private family time” in Canada over the festive season during their six-week break from royal duties, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
The decision to spend time in Canada reflects the importance of the Commonwealth country to them both, a Sussex spokesperson said but for security reasons, no further details can be released about how they’ll be spending their time.
“The Duke of Sussex has been a frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of the Royal Family,” the statement explains.
“They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.”
Indeed, Canada served as Meghan’s home base during her days on legal drama Suits but her and Harry also share some very special memories together in the country, making one of their first official appearances as a couple in 2017 at the Invictus Games in Toronto.
Meghan and Harry made their first official appearance together as a couple in Toronto, Canada in 2017. (Image: Getty)
Following the news that the royals were in the country, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to Twitter to welcome them.
“Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, we’re wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada,” the 47-year-old politician wrote.
“You’re among friends, and always welcome here.”
It was previously announced in November that Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, would not be spending Christmas with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham this year.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, it was confirmed the royal couple and their seven-month-old son would spend the holiday as a new family with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.
While the move had many tongues wagging about tension among the Sussexes and the Cambridges, it’s not unusual for members of the royal family to forego Christmas at Sandringham from time to time.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have also skipped the royal celebrations to spend time with Duchess Catherine’s family in Berkshire, most recently in 2016.
This year, however, will be a very memorable one for the Cambridges, as Prince George, 6, and Princess Charlotte, 4, are said to be making their debut as part of the iconic Christmas Day walk to the day’s service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk.
Princess Charlotte and Prince George are reportedly joining their parents on the public walk to St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Day this year. (Image: Getty)
In previous years the young Cambridges have been considered too young to tag along (Prince Louis, 1, will have to wait a few years himself) but this year, if all things go to plan, we’ll get a chance to see them.
And it seems young George has been very busy this festive season. Just this weekend Buckingham Palace released a series of adorable images of The Queen and her three heirs – Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George, mixing Christmas puddings for charity.
Prince George gets stuck into the fruity mix of a Christmas pud and he looks like a pro already! (Image: Getty)
In two of the images, taken by royal photographer Chris Jackson, Prince George can be seen getting stuck into a fruity mix with a wooden spoon as his family members look on adoringly.
Once cooked, the Christmas puddings will go towards the Royal British Legion’s initiative ‘Together at Christmas’ a project run by the charity which hopes to tackle the loneliness and isolation veterans and members of the Armed Forces may feel over the festive season by organising care homes and Christmas celebrations over the holidays.
