Harry and Meghan’s festive plans ‘backed by Queen’

THE Queen has offered her support to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their decision to spend Christmas away from Sandringham.

Harry and Meghan will be celebrating the festive period with the duchess’s mother, Doria Ragland, instead of joining the royal family’s traditional celebration in Norfolk.

The 93-year-old monarch is said to be doing her best to keep the couple in the royal fold after criticism of them in the media, it has been reported.

Courtiers said she is helping them to cope with the pressures of royal life, and drops in at Frogmore Cottage for visits when at Windsor.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Harry and Meghan’s choice to mark Archie’s first Christmas apart from the royal family follows claims of a rift — first between Meghan and the Duchess of Cambridge and then between Harry and his brother, the Duke of Cambridge.

In a television documentary last month, Harry, when asked about the situation, said he loves William dearly but they are “on different paths at the moment” and have “good days” and “bad days” in their relationship.

It is not yet known whether

Harry and Meghan have invited Ms Ragland to spend time with them in the UK or if they will travel to the US for Christmas.

There is speculation they may be taking their son to experience his first Thanksgiving in the States this month.

The duke and California-born duchess are preparing for a sixweek break from royal duties.

A spokeswoman for the couple said: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month. Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess’s mother.

“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. For security reasons, we will not be providing further details on their schedule.”