In his 2023 memoir, Spare, Prince Harry recounts a humorous Christmas incident involving a Queen Elizabeth ornament gifted to him by Meghan Markle. During their first Christmas in the United States in 2020, Meghan surprised Harry with a small ornament featuring the Queen’s likeness. Harry’s initial reaction was one of amusement and disbelief, but he appreciated the gesture and hung the ornament on their Christmas tree.
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Queen Elizabeth II during the Ceremony of the Keys in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2021. This image depicts the late Queen in a formal setting, highlighting the regal image that was captured in the Christmas ornament.
The festive cheer was short-lived, however, as their then 19-month-old son, Prince Archie, accidentally knocked the ornament off the tree, shattering it into pieces. Harry describes the scene with a touch of humor, recalling Archie’s attempt to fix the broken ornament by spraying it with water. Meghan playfully cautioned Archie against spraying “Gan-Gan,” their nickname for the Queen.
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A younger Prince Archie with his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, during a royal tour of South Africa in 2019. This photo shows Archie at the age when the Christmas ornament incident occurred, providing context to his involvement in the story.
Harry, left with the task of cleaning up the broken pieces, reflected on the oddity of the situation. The anecdote offers a glimpse into the family’s private life and their first Christmas spent away from traditional royal festivities. It also highlights the playful dynamic between the couple and their young son.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Whistler, British Columbia, February 2024. The photo shows the couple in a more recent public appearance, contrasting with their private Christmas celebration in 2020.
The Sussex family has continued to celebrate Christmas in the U.S. since then, embracing new traditions with their growing family. Meghan has expressed her love for the holidays and the joy of watching her children experience the magic of Christmas. She emphasized the importance of creating lasting memories and cherishing the holiday season through her children’s eyes.
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The 2024 Sussex holiday card featuring Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This image represents the family’s current holiday celebrations and the evolving traditions they have established in the US.
