Prince William Could Be “Forced” to Reconcile With Prince Harry. @RoyalFamily

Prince William and Prince Harry.
Prince William could face Prince Harry at a royal family gathering.

A royal family tradition that comes around every year leaves speculation that a reconciliation between Prince William and Prince Harry is inevitable. For over three decades, the Royal Family has gathered at Sandringham House in Norfolk for Christmas. Although the Duke of Sussex has missed out on the festivities over the past few years, his recent efforts to reconnect with King Charles raised questions about whether he could find himself back on the host’s guest list and in the same room as his older brother.

In Woman & Home’s December 2026 issue, royal expert Emily Andrews said, “Certainly, an invitation to spend a couple of days at Sandringham with the rest of the Royal Family—some of whom Harry is still close to—would force the issue of a fraternal reconciliation.”

The chances of the Duke of Sussex making a royal holiday appearance have grown exceedingly now that he has moved back to the U.K. with Meghan Markle and his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The Royal Family outside Sandringham House on Christmas.
The Royal Family usually gathers at Sandringham House for Christmas. | Credit: Getty Images
Despite their close proximity to the Royal Family, the Sussexes aren’t holding their breath for an invitation this year and have already made other commitments for Christmas.

Harry and Meghan reportedly plans to celebrate both Thanksgiving and Christmas with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland in California. While speaking to The Sunday Times, a source shared that when it comes to the holidays at Sandringham, “They know it would be too awkward and too difficult. They also know they’re not going to be invited, and they’re not waiting for an invitation.”

Although they will be occupied this holiday season, it doesn’t mean a future appearance is out of the picture. After all, the Duke of Sussex did confess to missing the royal family gatherings in the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan.

“Yeah, I miss the weird family gatherings when we’re all sort of brought together under one roof for certain times of the year. That I miss,” Harry admitted.