Meghan Markle has issued her first Christmas message (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle has revealed her Christmas plans today in her first Christmas message, issued hours before the King’s annual festive broadcast. The Duchess of Sussex sent a newsletter to all her As Ever customers, speaking about how she spent her Christmas Eve with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Meghan said the family enjoyed dim sum while she and Harry wrapped and placed the Christmas presents under the Christmas tree for their children to find this morning, in a bid to “maintain the morning magic of Christmas through our children’s eyes.” She said: “Last night, I was nibbling the remnants of our Christmas Eve feast (dim sum this year), wrapping a few last minute gifts, and tip toe-ing down the stairs with my husband to make sure ‘Santa’ had enjoyed his cookies and ‘the reindeer’ had eaten their carrots – anything to maintain the morning magic of Christmas through our children’s eyes.

Today, she revealed the family will enjoy a chill day, wearing pyjamas and playing board games, including Scrabble, Sequence and Candyland for the children, while listening to music.

The King will deliver his Christmas message later in the day (Image: PA)

Meghan wrote: “I plan to spend today cuddled up with my family – maybe pajamas all day, some Scrabble or Sequence (or Candyland for the kids), music playing, candles flickering, dogs snoring, endless grazing; the laughter, the sidebars, the deep breaths (you know the ones), the fun, and the memories.

“I hope that whether you’re cozied up in your pajamas like we are, or dressed to the nines, whether you’re with a huge gathering, with your partner, your kids, or on your own – wherever you happen to find yourself today reading this note – that you know I am wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and all the blessings that come with it.

“From my family to yours – Happy Holidays!”

The Duchess has not issued a similar type of message since she married into the Royal Family and folllowing her exit.

It comes just hours before the Royal Family head to the annual Christmas Day church service in Sandringham before the King’s festive broadcast later in the day.

This year, the King has chosen Westminster Abbey as the location for his Christmas broadcast, which will have the key theme of pilgrimage.

Charles will deliver the fourth festive message of his reign on Christmas Day, and the second staged outside a royal residence.

It is understood the King asked for a filming location away from a royal setting and suggestions were made by the BBC, which produced the broadcast this year, and the royal household.

Last year’s Christmas message was recorded at Fitzrovia Chapel in central London, a former sacred space of the demolished Middlesex Hospital where Diana, Princess of Wales opened London’s first dedicated Aids ward.

It has seen a surge in visitor numbers for exhibitions and open days since the broadcast on Christmas Day 2024.

The King’s message is one of the rare occasions when he does not turn to the Government for advice and is able to voice his own views.

Written by the monarch, it usually has a strong religious framework, reflects current issues and sometimes draws on their own experiences.

The message will be transmitted on both television and radio at 3pm today.