Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the complicated decision to take some time away from royal duties. Their end-of-the-year hiatus came during a complicated time for the Sussexes. While this year brought the joy of the birth of son Archie Harrison, it also brought some of the media's most vicious attacks to date. The decision to take some time off was for the well-being of themselves as individuals, as well as that of their family.
It was recently revealed that Harry and Meghan have been spending their six weeks off in Canada. The country is not only part of the Commonwealth, but it's also the place Meghan called home when she was filming Suits, prior to marrying into the royal family. It appears that making Christmas plans brought some complications the couple's way. They were denied a reservation at a restaurant in Greater Victoria because their security needs couldn't be accommodated.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to take a six-week hiatus from public duties wasn't too surprising. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had a rough year. They were vulnerable about their struggles with vicious media attacks in the documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey.
Initially, people weren't sure where Harry and Meghan were spending their time off. Initial reports believed the couple would be in the United States. As speculation arose earlier this month, a spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that they've been in Canada with son Archie.
The spokesperson said that "as has been reported, their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are spending private family time in Canada. The decision to base themselves in Canada reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both."
The source added that Harry has been a "frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to the duchess for seven years before she became a member of the royal family."
"They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son," the spokesperson added. Along with them is Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. She's spending some quality time with them over the holidays, as previously anticipated.
The news was also confirmed with a tweet from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. "Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, we’re all wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada. You’re among friends, and always welcome here," he shared.
For Christmas, it seems Harry and Meghan were looking to make a reservation at Deep Cove Chalet. The elegant waterfront restaurant in North Saanich had to turn the couple down, unfortunately. It was unable to accommodate their security needs.
Bev Koffel owns the restaurant with husband chef Pierre Koffel. She met with royal security last week in anticipation of a visit. She told the Vancouver Sun, "They said ‘How did you figure out who we were?’ And I said ‘It wasn’t too hard.’"
Pierre was ultimately the one who turned down their request. Bev hopes they'll try to call again. "Anyhow, you know what Pierre’s like. We’ll see what happens," she joked to the newspaper. She also hopes that Harry and Meghan will get what they came for, even if they don't visit the restaurant.
"Let them have their peace and quiet," Bev said. She feels like they deserve it as much as anyone else. "For us to be so lucky to have them in the area, how lucky is that? I wish them all the privacy they can possibly get. They deserve it."
While Archie hasn't been spotted out anywhere, Harry and Meghan have. The royals were seen hiking in Horth Hill. "Horth Hill’s become a very popular place now. And they jog around, so they’ve been seen."
"It’s kind of exciting," Bev pointed out. "I hope everything goes fine for them. They’re breaking away from tradition and I just wish them all the best."
Indeed, there have been reports that some people are not happy with their decision not to spend Archie's first Christmas at Sandringham with the rest of the family.
"Some members of the family think the couple should have considered the Queen and Prince Philip’s advancing age," a source told Entertainment Tonight. That's not to say that they don't believe Harry and Meghan should get a break every now and then. They are just reportedly "disappointed" they chose this year.
Many members of the family were with the Queen at Sandringham this Christmas. Prince Philip was able to celebrate with family after a brief hospitalization the week prior. "After all, at 93 and it being Archie’s first Christmas, neither Her Majesty the Queen nor Prince Philip will be around forever," the source notes.
Harry, Meghan, and Archie should be returning to London after the holidays. They will resume royal duties, and surely the time away will have done them well. After a tumultuous year for the royal family, they're hoping 2020 will bring brighter days.
