Awkward reality of royal family’s Christmas celebrations

Amid all this talk of a big rift between Kate and Meghan, one unavoidable event is looming — and it’s set to be very uncomfortable.

For weeks, speculation has mounted over rumours of a “royal rift” between Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.

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And now, one royal biographer has told The Sun that Christmas Day will be an “ordeal” for the Duchess of Cambridge, after it was revealed Prince William and Kate would be spending Christmas Day with Meghan and Harry at the Queen’s Norfolk residence.

Christmas Day will be a little awkward for Kate and her sister-in-law, Meghan. Photo: Matrix

Royal biographer Christopher Wilson suggested Christmas Day would be difficult for 36-year-old Kate, who will be spending the day at Sandringham with Prince William, 36 and their three children: Prince George, 5, Princess Charlotte, 3, and seven-month-old Prince Louis.

“Kate’s a homebody and loves being with her own immediate family at Christmas — off-duty and relaxed,” Mr Wilson told new! magazine.

“Sandringham Christmases can be an ordeal, even for those born royal — and generally those who’ve married into the family often can’t wait to get away.

“As with many seasonal family gatherings, there can be undercurrents and the publicity over the Meghan clash won’t make things any easier between the girls.”

Will the royal family be able to play nice for the holiday period? Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Clarence House

Over the last few weeks, speculation has mounted over growing tensions between the Cambridges and Sussexes, fuelled further by rumours that Kate and William would be spending Christmas away from the royals, with the Middletons at their home in Berkshire.

It comes after claims Meghan had been branded “Duchess Difficult” by Palace insiders following another one of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s aides — Samantha Cohen — resigning from her role.

There were also claims Kate had told Meghan not to berate members of her team after she reportedly “b****cked” one of Kate’s staff.

The Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex reportedly don’t get along.

The row — which the Palace has denied — followed rumours that Kate was “left in tears” during a “stressful” fitting for Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress.

Speculation was fuelled even further after it was announced Prince Harry, 34 and Meghan, 37, would not be moving into the Kensington Palace apartment next-door to William and Kate.

Instead they will move to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, which is currently being refurbished.

This story originally appeared in The Sun and is republished here with permission.