Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's chances of reconciliation with King Charles looked to have received a boost this Christmas.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020 and have spent every Christmas period since away from the UK.
Despite the couple's strained relationship with some senior members of the Royal Family, there is a shared desire between Harry and the King to reconcile.
One of the first indications of this was when Prince Harry rang his father on his 75th birthday last month.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020 and have spent every Christmas period since away from the UK.
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In what was a clear olive branch from the Sussexes, Meghan Markle also spoke to King Charles in November.
Harry sent his father a video of his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, wishing him a happy birthday in another sweet move.
The conversation between the King and the Sussexes was ended with the intention of them speaking again soon.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not join the Royal Family for Christmas this year.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not join the Royal Family for Christmas this year.
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It is unconfirmed whether Harry and Meghan spoke to the King on Christmas Day but a gesture made by the monarch could be a signal to the couple that he is open to forgiveness.
Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew's ex-wife, joined King Charles and the Royal Family at the Sandringham Christmas service this year.
The Duke and Duchess of York separated in 1992 and divorced in 1996 but have retained a good relationship through their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
The Duchess of York currently lives with Prince Andrew at the Royal Lodge when she is based in the UK.
King Charles's gesture to allow Fergie's inclusion demonstrates there could be a pathway back for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in time.
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However, Sarah Ferguson had not joined the Royal Family at the Sandringham Christmas service for over 30 years until her appearance this week.
King Charles's gesture to allow Fergie's inclusion demonstrates there could be a pathway back for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in time.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's public attacks on the Royal Family will make welcoming them back into the royal fold extremely hard, even more so when combined with their ongoing bitter feud with Prince William and Princess Kate.
However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's chances of reconciliation will have been boosted by King Charles's public forgiveness of Sarah Ferguson and there remains a glimmer of hope for the Sussexes if they do wish to build bridges with the Royal Family.
