The California-based couple, Harry and Meghan, have not celebrated Chrismas in the UK since 2018, embracing a new chapter.

Since 2018, the Sussexes have forged their own path, prioritising their own festive traditions and creating unforgettable memories with their family of five. They have left behind the traditional British royal Christmas celebrations.

Their Christmas cards depict a major shift in their strategy.

The couple’s 2025 holiday card, set to drop this week, will also unveil a new chapter in their journey, filled with hope, love, and the joy of new beginnings.

The Sussexes’ past cards have been a window into their evolving journey.  Each release hints at their plans and values, leaving fans eager for what’s next.

The change in their life is clear in the carefully curated cards as the Sussexes have forged their own path out of the royal traditions and restrictions.

The couple’s 2018 card hinted at their futre together as they two chose an image taken on their wedding day. The picture shows the newly married pair arm-in-arm while gazing at the fireworks, filling the sky above them.

The photo seemingly highlighted their vision and th futre they palnned to explore togethe by keeping their heads up. 

Their 2019 card features a seven-month-old Archie take centre stage. The couple tried to reveal what’s more important in their life amid speculations and rumours: The card shows them cherishing family time away from the spotlight, in Canada.

The Sussexes’ 2020 photo also shows how growing Archie begins to adopt American life. In 2021, the card highlights Lilibet’s public debut, a small but telling shift that reflected their new identity.

The couple’s other cards explain their new life in America with their kids along with the couple’s accolades and charitable work.

In the same way, the last year’s greeting captured humanitarian visits to Nigeria and Colombia, showing Archie and Lili racing to greet their parents with hugs.

It explained the couple’s strrategy to balance public impact with private joy.

Director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead Sunday in their Los Angeles home, sources told CBS News, in what police called an apparent homicide.

Rob Reiner was 78 and Michele Singer Reiner was 68.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” their family said in a statement obtained by Variety.  

Firefighters were called to a Brentwood home Sunday afternoon, where they found two bodies. Authorities did not immediately explain the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement that the Robbery Homicide Division responded to the home but did not provide further details on the investigation other than to say it was an “apparent homicide.”

In a news conference Sunday night, police would not confirm the identities of the deceased.

Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Allen Hamilton said the LAPD was “not seeking anyone as a suspect, or as a person of interest or in any other manner, and we will not be doing that until we conduct our investigation and move forward.” Hamilton also noted LAPD has not identified a suspect “at this time.”

“No one has been detained. … No one is being interviewed,” he said.

The Reiners’ careers and family history

The famed director is known for movies such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” “A Few Good Men,” “Stand By Me” and “This is Spinal Tap.” A sequel, “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues,” was released this fall. 

His wife was a photographer who took the photo of President Trump used on the cover of his book “The Art of the Deal,” according to Variety. 

The couple married in 1989 and had three children. Reiner was previously married to the late director Penny Marshall, and is the adoptive father of her daughter, actress Tracy Reiner.

The son of legendary comedian and actor Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner rose to fame playing Archie Bunker’s son-in-law, Michael Stivic, better known as “Meathead” on CBS’ “All in the Family.” Reiner won two Emmy Awards for the role. 

The family of Norman Lear, the legendary producer of “All in the Family” who died in 2023 at age 101, said Lear “often referred to Rob as a son, and their close relationship was extraordinary.” In a statement provided to The Associated Press, the Lear family said, “Norman would have wanted to remind us that Rob and Michele spent every breath trying to make this country a better place, and they pursued that through their art, their activism, their philanthropy, and their love for family and friends.”

In “When Harry Met Sally…,” Reiner famously featured a brief appearance from his mother, Estelle, who delivered the iconic line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” It was also during the filming of “When Harry Met Sally…” that Rob Reiner first met Michele. In a 2016 interview with AV Club, he said meeting her was what made him change the ending of the movie to have Harry and Sally end up together.

Hollywood, political leaders react

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement Sunday night: “This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others.”  

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement that he and his partner, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, were “heartbroken by the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.”

“Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as ‘The Princess Bride’ to ‘A Few Good Men.’ His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others — and encouraging us to dream bigger,” Newsom said.

Former President Barack Obama said in a statement, “Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.”

Former House Speaker and current Rep. Nancy Pelosi called word of the Reiners’ deaths “devastating. It’s hard to think of anyone more remarkable and excellent in every field and endeavor they pursued. Rob was creative, funny, and beloved. And in all of their endeavors, Michele was his indispensable partner, intellectual resource, and loving wife.”

Actor Sean Astin, the newly elected president of the Screen Actors’ Guild, called Rob Reiner “one of those most significant figures in the history of film and television.” He said Reiner’s impact on American culture “simply can’t be overstated.”