Amidst reports of a continued rift with the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, shared their 2024 holiday card. The card, released on December 16th, showcases a collage of six photos, including a heartwarming image of the couple with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and their three dogs. A printed message conveys holiday wishes from the Sussexes, Archewell Productions, and Archewell Foundation.

It's understood that this particular card was for public consumption. A separate, private card was reportedly sent to the couple's personal network of friends and family.

This release follows news that Harry and Meghan were reportedly not invited to the traditional royal Christmas gathering at Sandringham. They are expected to celebrate the holidays in the United States, where they currently reside. This marks another year since 2018, their wedding year, that the couple has not spent Christmas in the UK.

Interestingly, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson also declined King Charles's Christmas invitation. They, along with their daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will be absent from the festivities at Sandringham House. This news coincides with recent reports about Prince Andrew's past contact with an alleged Chinese spy, although his office insists no sensitive information was exchanged.

In contrast, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children are anticipated to maintain the royal tradition at Sandringham for the Christmas and New Year period. This year holds particular significance for the family, as both King Charles and Kate Middleton have faced health challenges, with both battling cancer diagnoses. While Kate has completed her preventative chemotherapy, Charles continues his treatment.

The strained relationship between the Sussexes and the senior royals persists, following Prince Harry’s memoir "Spare," their 2021 Oprah interview, and their Netflix docuseries, all of which contained criticisms of the royal family.