Harry and Meghan will spend Christmas with the Queen and royal family, Kensington Palace confirms

A Kensington Palace spokesman said overnight: “You can expect to see The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms Markle at Sandringham on Christmas Day”.

They will spend their first Christmas as an official couple with the Royal Family.

This is a break in tradition for the royal family, who in the past have only extended Christmas invites after a couple is officially wed.

Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, told Express, ‘In 2010 Kate was not invited after her engagement to William nor was Mike Tindall after his engagement to Zara Phillips. Only spouses and close family are usually invited.’

‘However, Harry and Meghan will be living together in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace and her family are in the United States,’ he continued. ‘The monarchy relies heavily on precedent and tradition but it also makes its own.’

Harry’s brother Wills, his pregnant wife Kate and their kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte will be there this year after opting to spend Christmas with the Middletons in 2016.

Other likely guests include Harry’s dad Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

On Christmas morning, the royal family all attend a service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the estate.