Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to host celebrity friends at their new home in Los Angeles this Christmas, according to a source close to the couple.
Actress Katharine McPhee, 36, and her husband, musician David Foster, 71, are rumored to be spending Christmas with the Sussexes after the coronavirus pandemic has put a halt on any holiday travel back to the U.K. this year.
Since moving to California, Prince Harry has been introduced to many of Meghan’s longtime friends — including McPhee, who is pregnant with her first child.
The two celebrities went to school together and rekindled their friendship in London more recently, with McPhee labeling Meghan “talented and lovely.”
Meanwhile, Prince Harry has become close to McPhee’s husband, Foster, who has been described as a father figure to the prince.
This year will be the first Christmas for the Sussexes in their new home, and their friends are keen to make it special for them despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Inside sources claim it will be a quiet affair with good company and delicious food and great wine.
Meghan is also expected to share some of her own family traditions on Christmas Day. The former actress’ mother, Doria Ragland, is also likely to spend the day with the Sussexes.
The source explained to MarieClaire: “They’ve also invited David and Katharine to spend it with them. David had mentioned Harry and Meghan going to theirs, but Meghan wants it at home.”
The royal insider went on to say: “Meghan very much wants to host the first Christmas at their new home with her mum. She’s really excited and is planning on doing all the traditions she grew up with as a child, including the cooking.”
A second source told ET Online: “Meghan, who is an accomplished cook, will be preparing some of their favorite dishes with Harry and Doria pitching in.”
Oprah Winfrey, who has been helping Meghan expand her empire and who lives next to her $14 million Montecito, California mansion, might also get an invite to the fancy gathering.
Across the ocean in the U.K., Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family are also planning for a much quieter Christmas than usual.
Under coronavirus restrictions and bans on household mixing, the famous family will not be celebrating at Sandringham together for the first time in years.
Instead, the Queen and Prince Philip will remain at Windsor Castle, where they have been isolating for the majority of the year.
Up to three households will be allowed to mix over Christmas, but rising coronavirus infection rates in recent days have cast doubt over whether the rules should be relaxed.
