Meghan's wish for 'huge' Christmas

The holidays could be a bittersweet time for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they celebrate the festivities away from Prince Harry's family

- Shelley Spadoni

As the festive season approaches, Meghan Markle has given a rare A glimpse into her family life with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. The Duchess of Sussex revealed that Christmas gets better "every year" as their children grow older.

However, the holiday season may also bring mixed feelings for the couple. Despite their blissful life in Montecito, California, Christmas could be bittersweet for them, a source tells new.

"For Harry, it reminds him that he doesn't have any of his side of the family to celebrate with," the source said.

"The kids won't be seeing their cousins, and that was one of his favourite things growing up - all the cousins playing together at Sandringham.

It may well even hurt seeing all the royals together, going to church and just enjoying each other's company." Meghan, 43, may also find the festive period lonely, albeit for different reasons. While her mother, Doria Ragland, is likely to be involved in their celebrations, there will be a notable absence - her estranged father, Thomas Markle.

"Meghan only has her mum, as there's almost zero chance of a reconciliation between her and her dad," added the source.

Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle, recently made a heartfelt plea, claiming that their father Thomas, 80, who suffered a heart attack in 2018 and a stroke in 2022, is facing serious health issues. She has urged Meghan to mend fences with him before it's "too late".