The British royal family may be zooming through Christmas dinner this year, as People magazine (opens in new tab) reports that the royal family will likely celebrate Christmas separately, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the magazine, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will spend Christmas in Montecito with Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and baby Archie; Kate Middleton, Prince William, and the Cambridge children will celebrate at Anmer Hall in Norfolk; and the Queen and Prince Philip will stay at Windsor remain at the Castle or head to Sandringham Manor.

Meghan and Harry will celebrate their first Christmas at their parents' home in the United States, Montecito, California, People reports. As for Kate and William, a source told the magazine that they are "waiting to hear [about the British government's guidelines] like everyone else" to determine whether they can visit the Queen. The source added, "The children want to see their great-grandmother, but for them it's the same rules as for everyone else."

Earlier this week, the British government announced that up to three families could visit indoors from December 23 to 27, as reported by the BBC (opens in new tab). But that depends on where the Queen and Philip choose to spend their vacations: if they choose Sandringham, it is only two miles from Anmer Hall, but if they continue to be isolated in Windsor, it may be more difficult to meet.

Still, one former royal staffer told People magazine that the queen, after a difficult year for the royal family, might appreciate a scaled-down celebration. The Queen may want a break. 'She may be happier in a quieter home this year.'