Meghan Markle may be settling into her new life in the United Kingdom, but California is still calling. The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly planning a holiday reunion with her closest friends and family, including her mother, Doria Ragland.
Meghan Markle is looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces in California as she prepares for the holiday season following her family's return to Britain.
The Duchess of Sussex, 45, has been adjusting to life in the United Kingdom with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. Although the family relocated from California in August 2026, Meghan has maintained strong ties to her former home in Montecito.
According to an exclusive report published by People on October 14, a source close to the couple says Meghan is embracing her new routine while eagerly anticipating a return to California for the holidays. "She's keeping busy, as she always does, and staying in close contact with her friends in Montecito," the source told the publication.
The insider also revealed that Meghan is already organizing opportunities to reconnect with loved ones, suggesting that her California friendships remain an important part of her life despite the transatlantic move.
Meghan Markle Is Already Planning a California Holiday Reunion
While Meghan and Harry have established a new routine in Britain, the Duchess reportedly misses the people who were part of her everyday life in Southern California. Among them is her mother, Doria Ragland, who continues to live in Los Angeles.
The Sussex family's move to the United Kingdom has brought new responsibilities and adjustments, particularly for Archie and Lilibet, who began attending school in Britain in September.
However, the change in location has not weakened Meghan's connection to Montecito, where she and Harry established their family home after stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
According to PEOPLE, the Duchess is already looking ahead to spending time with friends during the upcoming holiday period. Although specific reunion dates and gatherings have not been publicly announced, the reported plans suggest Meghan intends to maintain an active social life on both sides of the Atlantic.
For the Duchess, the holidays could offer an opportunity to reconnect with her California community while spending quality time with her children and mother.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Christmas 2026 Plans Revealed
Meghan's anticipated California visit comes amid new reports about how the Sussex family intends to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2026. PEOPLE confirmed on October 11 that Harry and Meghan are planning to spend both holidays with Doria Ragland.
However, the exact locations of the celebrations have not been finalized. A friend of the couple told The Sunday Times that the family is willing to travel depending on Doria's preferences.
The friend explained that Harry and Meghan would welcome Doria to Britain but are equally prepared to celebrate wherever she feels most comfortable. That flexibility could mean a return to California, where the couple still owns their Montecito residence.
The plans also indicate that Harry and Meghan are not expected to join King Charles and other members of the royal family for the traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
A source previously told The Sunday Times that the couple understands the difficulties surrounding a potential royal reunion. "They know it would be too awkward and too difficult," the source said.
Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry May Skip Christmas at Sandringham
The Sussexes have not celebrated Christmas with the wider royal family at Sandringham since 2018. That year, Meghan, who was pregnant with Archie, joined Harry, Prince William, Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth II for the traditional Christmas Day church service.
Since stepping away from their senior royal roles, Harry and Meghan have largely celebrated the holidays privately.
Their return to Britain has created opportunities for renewed contact with King Charles, including a reported family meeting at Highgrove in July 2026. However, Harry's relationship with Prince William reportedly remains strained, despite his previously expressed desire for reconciliation.
For now, the Sussexes appear focused on creating holiday traditions that prioritize their immediate family rather than arranging a larger royal gathering.
How Archie and Lilibet Are Adjusting to Life in the United Kingdom
Beyond holiday plans, Meghan's biggest priority has reportedly been helping Archie and Lilibet settle into their new environment. The children began school after the family's move to Britain, marking a significant change from their previous life in California.
According to PEOPLE, the Sussexes initially concentrated on establishing a comfortable routine before increasing their professional commitments. The transition reportedly included an early school change because of security and logistical concerns.
Despite those challenges, sources indicate that Archie and Lilibet have adapted well.
With the children becoming more comfortable in their new surroundings, Meghan and Harry are reportedly finding more time to focus on their respective projects. The couple's weekdays are largely dedicated to work while weekends remain reserved for family activities.
