King Charles’s team has released a festive-season update announcing when royal Christmas decorations will appear at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as speculation continues over whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could receive an invitation to celebrate with the Royal Family.
On October 13, the Royal Collection Trust shared its plans for the 2026 Christmas season on Instagram, giving royal fans an early look at the preparations for the holidays.
The announcement revealed that two royal residences would once again be decorated for the festive period, while a special Christmas shop at the Royal Mews in London would also welcome visitors.
The organisation opened its announcement with a playful countdown, writing: “It’s 73 days until Christmas Day, but no need to stress; that’s ages away. More excitingly, it’s only 37 days until our first Christmas decorations go up for the year!”
The statement continued by confirming that the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Windsor Castle would be transformed for the season, inviting visitors to begin planning their winter trips.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh will feature its Christmas decorations from November 19, 2026, until January 4, 2027. Windsor Castle will welcome visitors to its festive displays from November 26 through January 4.
Meanwhile, the Royal Mews Christmas shop in London is scheduled to open on November 13 and remain available until January 4, giving visitors another opportunity to enjoy the royal collection’s seasonal offerings.
“Save the dates, and get planning for a royal winter trip,” the Royal Collection Trust encouraged followers in its announcement.
The update prompted excitement among royal enthusiasts looking forward to the festive season. However, the announcement concerns public visitor attractions and does not provide information about the Royal Family’s private Christmas arrangements.
That distinction has not stopped speculation about Harry and Meghan’s own plans for the holidays. With the Sussexes reportedly spending time in the UK, questions have resurfaced about whether they could reunite with King Charles and other members of the family during the festive period.
The possibility of a Sandringham Christmas has attracted particular interest because it would represent a significant family gathering after years of strained relations between Harry and several senior royals.
Nevertheless, the Royal Collection Trust’s announcement offers no indication that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been invited to join the family. Its Christmas opening dates are part of the organisation’s public programme, rather than a statement about private royal invitations.
Sources cited in reports about the Sussexes’ Christmas prospects have suggested that there is currently no clear sign of plans to include them in the family’s festive celebrations. Those claims have not been confirmed through an official announcement from Buckingham Palace.
Whether Harry and Meghan will spend Christmas in Britain, celebrate privately or make other arrangements remains uncertain. Their reported presence in the country does not, by itself, establish that a reunion with the King is planned.
For now, the royal Christmas update gives visitors firm dates for the festive decorations at three London, Edinburgh and Windsor attractions. The question of whether the Sussexes will join the Royal Family for Christmas remains unanswered, despite the growing interest surrounding their holiday plans.
