“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month,” began the statement.
“Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, [the couple] will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’ mother Doria.”
It is believed that the royal couple will set off for the US next week and will remain there for six weeks.
Despite the apparent snub, the statement pointedly says Harry and Meghan Meghan’s decision has been given the Queen’s blessing.
“This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen,” it concluded.
This isn’t the first time the couple have turned down an invitation from the Queen. Earlier in the year they skipped an invitation to a family gathering at the monarch’s Balmoral estate in Scotland in favour of jetting to Ibiza and the South of France.
Confirmation of the Duke and Duchesses Christmas plans will no doubt only fuel speculation that the couple are looking at a permanent move abroad amidst increased media scrutiny in the UK.
