Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are spending this year’s Christmas in Canada, in what is their son Archie’s first festive season. The move has raised eyebrows, amid claims of a rift splitting the royal family. Royal expert Omid Scobie, from ABC News, said Meghan and Harry had been concerned if they stayed in the UK for Christmas, they wouldn’t have been able to spend as much time as they wanted with Archie.

He explained in Sandringham, where the rest of the royal family traditionally celebrate Christmas Day, the children are separated from the adults for key parts of the day.

A CBC reporter in Canada told Scobie he “could not imagine taking the baby away from family at this time” since it is Archie’s first Christmas.

Scobie responded: “You have to remember Sandringham is quite a formal affair.

“On Christmas day when the family gets together for Christmas lunch, children are separate from the parents.”

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He continued: “They have their own celebration in the royal nurses so the Cambridges wouldn’t have sent as much time with Archie as they would have liked.

“This is going to be much more laid back surroundings and Meghan has a lot of friends in Toronto.”

The royal trio are holidaying in an unknown location in Canada.

They have been joined by Meghan’s mum Dora, who lives in Los Angeles.

The decision from Buckingham Palace not to release the precise location is down to the royal couple’s need not just for security but privacy, amid a troubled year in the spotlight.

In an email to the Canadian Press from Hannah Howard, the deputy communications secretary to the Queen, says “they are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son”.

Ms Howard added that the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to spend private family time in Canada “reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both”.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted out a greeting Friday night: “Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, we’re all wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada.

“You’re among friends, and always welcome here.”

Prince Harry has been a frequent visitor to Canada, and Meghan spent several years here during her seven-season stint acting in the TV drama Suits.

Scobie explained: “This is a place where the romance got to grow between the pair at the beginning.

“Harry and Meghna spent a lot of time in Toronto while Meghan was working on Suits.

“It was one of the few places that the two could go about in public unnoticed, even in Meghan’s neighbourhood. People didn’t go running to the press.

“It’s a place they can really enjoy privacy so it’s not surprise they have got back there for a private celebration.”

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