Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly spent Christmas away from the royal family for personal reasons.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who spent Christmas comfortably at home in California with their children Archie and Lilybet, wanted to continue their private traditions.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward said: “Back at Sandringham it will be the traditional UK Christmas that Harry knows so well.
“King Charles would have loved the chance to see his grandchildren Archie and Lily-bet, but he knew it would be awkward for the rest of the family to invite Harry and Meghan. So, there was no official invitation.
“Harry and Meghan were invited to Althorp for Christmas with their thrice-married uncle Charles, now Earl Spencer, but decided to stay in California. Home and ‘carrots for reindeer.’ Enjoy traditions like extraction.”
It comes as Harry has apparently adopted new Christmas traditions after welcoming Meghan into the family.
Ms Seward added: “Since marrying Meghan in 2018, Harry has only celebrated Christmas at Sandringham once in December of that year.
“Instead, she has embraced the ‘happy holidays’ traditions favored by her adopted country. Her only relative in California is her mother-in-law, Doria, and according to Meghan, she is with them. Montecito will stay with them.