Queen Elizabeth: Harry and Meghan photo missing from Christmas Speech 2019 – why?

Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas speech is shown to the nation every year. For many Britons it’s a vital part of the festivities to watch the event on TV or listen to it on the radio. The pre-recorded speech is traditionally written by the Queen herself and reflects on the events of the past year.

A third is a family photograph of the next generation – the Cambridge clan: Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The final photo is that of former king, and Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, who died in 1952.

Notably absent from the selection of family snaps are Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

This comes as a stark contrast to last year when the couple appeared in not one but two photos.

In 2018, Prince Charles’s 70th birthday picture featured Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, his children, their wives and his grandchildren.

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In the picture, Prince Harry had his arm around Meghan – who was expecting their first child – in a typically touchy display.

The Duchess of Cambridge was holding a smiling Prince Louis.

Meghan could also be seen in another picture in Buckingham Palace’s White Drawing Room.

Her Majesty chose to frame a black and white picture of Meghan and Harry taken at their Windsor wedding in May 2018.

This year, however, the focus appears to be only on those directly in line to the throne which could explain the absence of Prince Harry who is only sixth in line.

This comes as photos displaying the four generations of royals were released, depicting Prince George making Christmas puddings with Prince William, Prince Charles and The Queen.

The Queen’s speech photograph follows rumours of a split of the Cambridge and Sussex households which has caused much controversy this year.

Prince Harry and Meghan announced this year their intention to launch their own foundation, while Prince William and Kate would retain the existing one.

The couple also faced backlash for their expenditure on renovations for Frogmore House when the Royal Family’s spending report was published.

Later, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex caused outrage when they were discovered to have taken private planes, despite being strong advocates for environmental causes.

Another possible explanation for the lack of Harry and Meghan in the photos could be their physical absence at the Royal Family Christmas this year.

The royals normally celebrate en masse at Sandringham in Norfolk but this year the Sussexes have excused themselves.

The couple are spending this year’s Christmas in Canada, in what is their son Archie’s first festive season. They have been joined by Meghan’s mother Dora, who lives in Los Angeles.

Royal expert Omid Scobie, from ABC News, said Meghan and Harry had been concerned if they stayed in the UK for Christmas, they wouldn’t have been able to spend as much time as they wanted with Archie.

source: express.co.uk