How The 'Meghan Clash' Will Alter Kate Middleton's Christmas

Kate Middleton is no stranger to spending Christmas with the royal family since marrying Prince William in 2011, but according to a new report, amid rumors of her alleged rift with Meghan Markle, this year the holidays may actually be a bit of an “ordeal” for the Duchess of Cambridge.

According to the cover of the latest issue of New! Magazine, Middleton is being forced to spend the holidays with her sister-in-law, and while their alleged rift may not be why she might find Christmas to be as enjoyable this year, according to The Mail on Sunday, her usual feelings about the holiday and the alleged feud “won’t make things any easier.”

In the story, royal biographer Christopher Wilson revealed that the traditions for the royal family often seem taxing and that Middleton will want to be getting away after her duties in Sandringham are done because she prefers the more low-key experience she has with her own family at Bucklebury.

“Kate’s a homebody and loves being with her own immediate family at Christmas—off-duty and relaxed,” he said. “Sandringham Christmas can be an ordeal, even for those born royal—and generally those who’ve married into the family often can’t wait to get away.”

“As with many seasonal family gatherings, there can be undercurrents and the publicity over the Meghan clash won’t make things any easier between the girls.”

Among the stressors could be the fact that Prince Harry and Markle are expected to once again stay with Middleton and Prince William at Anmer Hall as the family gathers.

With the rumors, it was previously reported that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would forego Christmas with the Royals this year in favor of a celebration with her family so they could avoid Harry and Meghan. That report has since been proven to be false.