Why Charles May Reject A Harry Christmas This Year

For many families, the festive period is fraught with complex negotiations - especially when the key players don't get on. The Windsors are no different, says Harry Mount, which is why the Sussexes could have to wait until 2024 for an invite

It's the same conversation happening up and down the country: "What are you doing for Christmas?" A question often loaded with expectation and anticipation - tossed into a phone call like an emotional hand grenade ready to go off at any moment.

The Windsors may not be a typical family, but when it comes to the knotty logistics at Christmas, they are certainly not immune from the same domestic dramas as the rest of us. Christmas at Sandringham follows the tramlines laid by the late Queen. She, in turn, was following in the footsteps of her great-greatgrandmother, Queen Victoria. Immediate family (children and grandchildren) are invited to Sandringham from Christmas Eve, when, in the German custom, "Heiligabend Bescherung", imported by Queen Victoria, presents are opened.

Christmas Day begins with the 330ft walk from Sandringham to St Mary Magdalene Church and then moves to a strict timetable of eating, sleeping, dog walking, and Christmas lunch itself restricted to a sharp 50 minutes. A Christmas tea takes place, and then, on Boxing Day, there is a large shooting party followed by a formal dinner, with the men in black tie and the women in gowns. Tiaras and jewels are worn.

There have been reports from the Sussex household in Montecito, California, that Harry and Meghan would "not decline" an invitation - the story emerging after Harry called the King on his 75th birthday last week. Apparently, both Harry and Meghan were on the call, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, sang to the grandfather they are by now surely eager to spend more time with in person. However, if the Sussexes are ready to, as sources put it, “change the state of play”, Charles may not be on the same Christmas hymn sheet. His camp, it seems, is less inclined to extend an olive branch – and an invitation – to the Sussexes this Christmas. And it’s not hard to understand why.