Harry and Meghan Snub Royal Christmas as Meghan’s “Obi-Wan Kenobi” Outfit Sparks Backlash

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly have no plans to spend Christmas with King Charles and the Royal Family at Sandringham. Instead, the Sussexes intend to celebrate Christmas and Thanksgiving with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, with California a likely destination.

According to The Sunday Times, Harry and Meghan believe a royal Christmas gathering would be too awkward and are not expecting an invitation. The decision comes during their first holiday season since returning to Britain and settling Archie and Lilibet into school.

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are preparing for their first joint series of charitable engagements since their return, with a visit to Nottingham scheduled for Thursday. Meghan is expected to reconnect with women from the Hubb Community Kitchen, the group she previously worked with on a charity cookbook.

Harry is also reportedly contributing to a BBC documentary examining race relations in Britain alongside Baroness Doreen Lawrence, whose son Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racist attack in 1993.

But Meghan's latest London appearance is generating headlines for a different reason: her clothes. The Duchess of Sussex's oversized trousers and brown coat during her meeting with Malala Yousafzai at Claridge's have prompted comparisons to Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi. Critics on Reddit mocked the outfit, while Telegraph columnist William Sitwell delivered an extended attack on Meghan's fashion choices and her approach to privacy.

Express columnist Carole Malone also questioned whether Meghan's highly photographed meeting with Malala was consistent with her reported desire to maintain a low profile.

Meghan, meanwhile, announced that a day's net proceeds from As Ever jam and tea sales would benefit the Malala Fund, supporting girls' access to education. There are also reports of a possible business collaboration between Meghan and Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, whose proposed Spencer Farms brand could include jam, honey, tea and other products. Elsewhere, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Princess Charlotte surprised London commuters by traveling together on the Elizabeth Line. Passengers described the unexpected encounter as surreal.

And William and Catherine made a surprise visit to Belfast, where Kate greeted a family over a video call, joked about losing track of time and spoke with schoolchildren about George, Charlotte and Louis. The couple also visited IKEA Belfast as part of their engagements supporting young people through William's Homewards initiative.

Questions this episode answers: Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spending Christmas with King Charles? Why are the Sussexes reportedly avoiding Sandringham? Will Harry and Meghan return to California for the holidays? What are Harry and Meghan doing in Nottingham? Is Prince Harry working on a BBC documentary? Why are people comparing Meghan Markle to Obi-Wan Kenobi? What did the Telegraph say about Meghan's outfit at Claridge's? Is Meghan donating As Ever profits to the Malala Fund? Could Meghan launch a business with Earl Spencer? Did Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte ride the London Underground? And what happened during William and Kate's surprise visit to Belfast?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/palace-intrigue-harry-meghan-the-crown-royal-family-news-and-gossip--4522904/support.

Palace Intrigue is a daily British royal family podcast covering King Charles, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and the House of Windsor. New episodes every day. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Media network.

Also check out new seasons of

King WIlliam Season 3

Crown and Controversy Season 4

Crown and Controversy: Kate Middleton