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KING Charles may be spending Christmas Day apart from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry but he will want to be in touch on the day, according to a former royal butler.
Grant Harrold, who worked for the monarch between 2004 and 2011, said that Charles will not only want to call the Sussexes but will also send gifts for Archie and Lilibet.
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Speaking to Fabulous, Grant said: “I’m willing to bet that there definitely will be some sort of [Zoom] communication on Christmas Day. There’s no question.
“I’m not talking so much about Harry and Meghan directly, but I have no doubt the King will want to see his grandkids on Christmas Day.
“The King will send gifts. I guarantee you that something will be sent, and likewise, gifts will be sent to Grandpa or Grandmother [from the Sussexes].
“There will be a chance to see each other—whether it’s to see them open the gifts, that’s completely possible, because that’s what a lot of families do. It’s not a new thing.
“I’d be surprised if they didn’t FaceTime so they could see the grandchildren opening the gifts he sent them.
“There will definitely, without a doubt, be communication.”
Grant said Christmas Day could be the perfect opportunity for Charles to speak with his son, who lives 5,400 miles away in California.
The former butler shared: “They’re not just going to put the kids in front of the camera without conversation.
“There will definitely be some shape or form of conversation.”
Grant said King Charles will also send gifts for Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.
He added: “When it comes to toys and the King—have you ever been to the Highgrove shop? It’s all very traditional. The King is very traditional.
“I don’t see him buying them an Xbox or something like that—probably too young anyway. It’s going to be more traditional, you know, like a wooden farm set or something along those lines.”
The former royal staff member said King Charles will be “sad” that his family is divided at Christmas.
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While the Sussexes are thought to be spending the festive period in Montecito at their £12million, nine-bedroom mansion with Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, the rest of the royals are heading to Sandringham, as is tradition.
It has been confirmed that Prince William and Princess Kate will be taking their three kids, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, to join in the family festivities.
They are thought to be joining the likes of Zara and Mike Tindall and their kids, along with the families of Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
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Family reunion
Grant added: “I think if he [King Charles] had the choice, he’d definitely want everyone together.
“He’s very much a family man. I remember Christmases with the boys and him.
“They were such nice times. They were very close, and it all just went so nicely.
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“The King’s family is a lot smaller than the Queen’s, and family is very important to him. I’ve said this a hundred times—part of him will be sad about what’s taken place.
“Christmas is seen as a time for families to heal rifts.
“Even if they’re not there in person, just talking on Zoom or something can be part of that healing process.
I’m not talking so much about Harry and Meghan directly, but I have no doubt the King will want to see his grandkids on Christmas Day
Grant Harrold
“Of course, it’s not the same as being in person.
“There’s no question there will be some sadness about them not all being there.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and have done a number of bombshell interviews about the royal family, including their Oprah Winfrey chat in 2021.
Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step back as senior working royals?
PRINCE Harry has always wanted out of the Royal Family and the repercussions will be felt for years, an expert has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex has lived in California with his wife Meghan Markle since 2020 after they dramatically quit their jobs as working royals and moved across the pond.
Katie Nicholl, who is Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show that Megxit did not come as a surprise to her.
Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, the commentator explained: “Anyone who knows Harry is aware he’s always wanted a way out of the Royal Family.
“He’s said multiple times on the record that he wished he’d never been born a prince.
“I think he really is living the life he wants to now. It’s very, very sad that it’s played out the way it has.”
In a statement made on the Sussexes’ Instagram account as they stepped back in 2020, the pair wrote: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.
“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
“We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.
“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”
