Meghan Markle reveals Prince Harry's demand for holidays away from UK home

Prince Harry is very particular about holiday celebrations with Meghan Markle and their kids — away from his royal family back in the UK.

The Duchess of Sussex revealed her husband’s strict rule for holiday meals while sharing her Thanksgiving tips with People magazine on November 20.

Amid her usual spread are some classic Thanksgiving sides, including mashed potatoes, but never without a rich gravy. “My husband would never forgive me if I didn’t add that to the table,” Meghan, 44, said.

The mom-of-two, who shares 6-year-old Prince Archie and 4-year-old Princess Lilibet with Prince Harry, also shared a tip for how to get the kids involved in meal prep.

“Chop your veggies and herbs in advance to save time on the day, and also for those finishing touches, whether you’re serving homemade or store-bought dishes,” she said, adding, “Your kids can join in too! They can proudly say they helped.”

For the former Suits actress, hosting a great Thanksgiving dinner isn’t just about the food. She also highly recommends lighting a few scented candles (such as those available in her As Ever Holiday collection) and bringing out a few “icebreakers,” such as board games.

Megahn’s hosting resume goes beyond her time working in restaurants; her upcoming Netflix holiday special of With Love, Meghan, will also see her wearing a hostess cap in her Montecito home, where she moved after she and Prince Harry stepped down from royal life in 2020.

Ever since then, the Sussexes have celebrated the holidays without the extended royal family, who have their own holiday traditions.

Meghan’s sister-in-law Princess Kate, for example, is famous for hosting an annual Christmas Carol concert, with this year’s theme being “love in all its forms,” per a recent statement by Kensington Palace.

Additionally, King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the entire family for a Christmas dinner at Sandringham estate.

And even though the ice has been thawing between Harry and his father this year, it appears the Sussexes will, once again, be celebrating the holidays away from royal life.