ROYAL DRAMA
The Queen ‘will be upset’ Meghan Markle & Prince Harry aren’t spending Xmas at Sandringham, Paul Burrell says
THE Queen "will be upset" Meghan Markle and Prince Harry aren't spending Christmas at Sandringham with the Royal Family, Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell has claimed.
Appearing on the Loose Women panel earlier today, the Queen's former footman says Her Majesty cherishes spending time with her family at her Norfolk estate every year.
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Discussing the royal's yearly festive traditions, Paul said: "She loves her family around her - she's a grannie and a mum.
"She loves to have them all around her at Sandringham and take the little ones to decorate the Christmas tree. They put on the last baubles and she really revels in that."
When asked by panellist Stacey Solomon whether the Queen Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to spend Christmas with the Duchess' mother Doria Ragland "will upset" The Queen, the expert added: "She will be.
"But she understand as well that Harry and his new wife want a different lifestyle and Meghan is half-American so she's going to bring up her children half in America and half here.
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"She's going to give them both cultures - that's clear to me."
Explaining how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aren't the first royals to spend time outside the UK, Paul also claimed that Princess Diana was considering buying a second home in Malibu when she passed away in 1997.
Prince William and Kate Middleton have also previously spent two Christmases with the Duchess' parents at their home in West Berkshire.
Earlier this month, The Sun exclusively revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would NOT be joining the Queen for Christmas so they can have time to "recharge their batteries".
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While it has not been confirmed whether the couple will be in the US or at home at Frogmore Cottage, a palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.
"Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess' mother Doria Ragland.
"This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen."
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