Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly not be returning to the UK this Christmas, amidst controversy generated by Harry’s explosive upcoming memoir.
Relations between the Duke of Sussex and his family are said to be at ‘rock bottom’ ahead of the book’s release.
Royal sources say King Charles asked for the couple to join the Royal Family over Christmas, but that the invite had been declined.
Insiders had previously hoped there would be a ‘thawing of relations’ between the warring factions following the Queen’s death.
But according to the Mirror, the royal couple reportedly have ‘no plans’ to join family at Sandringham Palace – in what will be the Roya Family’s first Christmas without the Queen.
The Prince’s memoir, titled ‘Spare’, has already sent shockwaves throughout the royal establishment for its ‘raw, unflinching honesty’ about life growing up in the shadow of his brother.
An insider claims the royals were ‘completely caught by surprise’ by the book’s title.
The memoir is rumoured to be ‘critical of everyone and everything’.
A source warned the Mirror the book could spell ‘the end’ for any reconciliation efforts between the Sussexes and the royals.
Spare was initially set to be released in December in advance of the lucrative Christmas market, but was later pushed back to January 10 as a mark of respect following the death of the Queen.
There were also a number of last minute changes rumoured to take place behind the scenes.
In a press release, the publisher said: ‘Spare takes readers immediately back to one of the most searing images of the 20th century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow – and horror.
‘As Diana, Princess of Wales, was laid to rest, billions wondered what the princes must be thinking and feeling – and how their lives would play out from that point on.
‘For Harry, this is his story at last.’
The news comes as King Charles officially replaced Harry of his role as ceremonial head of the Royal Marines.
Harry’s prestigious title was removed by the Queen after he quit as a senior working royal and moved to America with wife Meghan Markle.
He was previously thought to have ‘treasured’ the role and was ‘devastated’ to lose it.
There had been speculation about which member of the royal family would be given the title in Harry’s place, with Princess Anne tipped for the position.
