Reports indicate that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be spending Christmas in the United States, having not received an invitation to the royal family's traditional holiday gathering at Sandringham. This news coincides with Kate Middleton's announcement of her upcoming Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey, where she'll share a message emphasizing love and empathy during challenging times.

The Sussexes' absence marks another year away from the royal Christmas festivities. They last joined the family at Sandringham in 2018, the year of their wedding. Since relocating to California in 2020, their relationship with the royal family has remained strained following Prince Harry's memoir "Spare," their 2021 Oprah interview, and their Netflix docuseries, all of which contained criticisms of the monarchy.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a public appearance. (Joshua Sammer/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, are expected to maintain the royal tradition at Sandringham, staying from just before Christmas until the New Year. This annual gathering holds historical significance, dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who would traditionally spend December through February at the estate, a period commemorating the passing of her father, King George VI.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with the Prince and Princess of Wales at Sandringham in 2018. (Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images)

Kate Middleton's Christmas carol service follows her recent health challenges. Last year's service was her final public appearance for several months before she revealed her cancer diagnosis. She recently announced the completion of her preventative chemotherapy treatment.

The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children at Sandringham last Christmas. (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

King Charles is also undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer diagnosis. Despite these health concerns, the royal family intends to uphold the Sandringham Christmas tradition, focusing on family togetherness, as confirmed by Grant Harrold, King Charles' former butler.

King Charles III at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)