When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated their first Christmas in California after quitting the Firm, Harry had an awkward moment when picking out a Christmas tree
With December just around the corner, millions of people are preparing for the festive season by putting up their Christmas decorations. And while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle now reside in California, they are keeping with holiday traditions with their children Archie and Lilibet.
In 2020, as their first year in America came to a close after they quit their royal lives and relocated abroad, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were spotted shopping for a Christmas tree in Santa Barbara. The couple then ran into a young boy who was shopping with his family, with an awkward moment ensuing.
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Harry was mistaken as a member of staff in the store by the young boy, according to another shop salesman. According to reports from the time, an arrangement had been made for Harry and Meghan to be allowed into the shop while it was empty but one family happened to still be inside.
The excited child ran through the trees to the duke and “asked if he worked here”, shop salesman James Almaguer claimed. He went on to describe Harry as a “chill lad” and Meghan as “very kind”. Posting on X at the time, James wrote: “Meghan and Prince Harry came into my work today and we sold them their Christmas tree. It was anticlimactic, but a very, very interesting experience.
“We had our lot empty when they got there – their agent promoted them a good time to come instead of us shutting it down. There was one family in there and their stoked little son ran through trees up to Harry and asked if he worked here not knowing who that is.”
“They seem like very nice people honestly. Meghan sounds very kind and Harry sounded and acted like a chill lad honestly. I’m really glad they liked our trees. We got the best we could get. Very appreciative.”
Meghan is celebrating Christmas in a unique way this year, as she prepared for her Netflix holiday programme to premiere on December 3. The trailer for the With Love, Meghan Christmas show shows the Duchess talking about “embracing traditions” and “connecting with the people we love”.
While giving the audience a glimpse into her Christmas preparations, Meghan says: “I love the holiday season. It’s about finding time to connect with the people we love. Embracing traditions and making new ones. Let the festivities commence and embrace the special touches that bring you joy.”
Elsewhere in the trailer, Meghan says: “Being a hostess or a host is about making people feel comfortable,” while adding: “You can do things that make people feel seen.”
Tennis champion Naomi Osaka, celebrity chef Tom Collcchio, hospitality expert Will Guidara, philanthropist Kelly McKee Zajfen and long-time friend Lindsay Roth will join Meghan in the festive cheer. According to Netflix, the programme will show the Duchess “sharing her favourite holiday traditions, seasonal crafts and family recipes with friends old and new”.
