Meghan Markle to join royal family for Christmas

Prince Harry and the actress and activist announced their engagement November 27

Prince Harry's fiancee is set to join Britain's royal family for Christmas. Kensington Palace said. AP Photo/Frank Augstein

Prince Harry's fiancee will be celebrating Christmas with the British royal family.

Kensington Palace says Meghan Markle, who has given up her acting duties ahead of the marriage, will join Queen Elizabeth and other senior royals at Sandringham, a sprawling estate in Norfolk, 110 miles (175 kilometers) north of London.

Following the German tradition, the royals usually exchange gifts on Christmas Eve and then attend a church service at St. Mary Magadalene Church on Christmas Day before enjoying a gala lunch and a walk in the woods.

Typically, hundreds of well-wishers gather along the route to the church to catch a glimpse of the Queen and other royals.

Some members of the family speak to the public and receive bouquets of flowers.

The palace says, "you can expect to see the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle at Sandringham on Christmas Day."

Prince Harry and the American activist announced their engagement November 27.

They are due to marry in May next year.