Meghan Markle has asked Harry to reject his family's long-standing Christmas tradition, reportedly

As you have probably heard by now, there are a lot of strict, old-fashioned traditions and customs that members of the Royal Family are expected to adhere to. These famously restrictive and intrusive rules and regulations apply to pretty much every aspect of their lives - even supposedly family-oriented holidays like Christmas.

In fact, recently, it emerged that despite being married for nearly seven months, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry wouldn't be spending the entirety of their very first Christmas as husband and wife together. The couple, who are expecting their first child in spring next year, will apparently be spending the morning of Christmas Day apart, in keeping with royal tradition.

However, according to other reports, Christmas is set to be slightly different to normal at Sandringham House this year. This will be Meghan Markle AKA the Duchess of Sussex' first Christmas with the Royal family, and she has reportedly asked her husband to skip this year's Christmas pheasant shoot.

Credit: Instagram / The Royal Family

According to the Daily Mail, Harry will refrain from taking part in the tradition - which takes place every year on December 26 - as the Meghan is wholeheartedly against blood sports and is a passionate supporter of animal rights. A royal source told the paper, "Harry’s always loved hunting [...] But now it looks like Harry’s shooting days are over."

It seems Prince William will still be taking part in the hunting trip with his father Prince Charles and little George. Harry, on the other hand, will instead be spending the day with his pregnant wife.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aside, Kate and Wills shared a very festive family photograph over the weekend. In the very loving photos, the royal couple can be seen alongside their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

The picture was shared by the official Twitter page of Kensington Palace, the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Credit: Twitter / Kensington Palace

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pleased to share a new photograph of their family," Kensington Palace tweeted. "The photograph, taken by Matt Porteous, shows The Duke and Duchess with their three children at Anmer Hall, and features on Their Royal Highnesses’ Christmas card this year."

Aside from the photo being super adorable, there is also one quite subtle detail you may have missed it. Prince Charlotte is wearing her older brother Prince George's cardigan which he wore in celebration of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday.

Credit: Instagram / Kensington Palace

The British Monarchy "have just released this photograph of The Queen surrounded by her two youngest grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, to mark Her Majesty's 90th birthday," the caption reads. "This is the first in a series of three official photographs. It was taken at Windsor Castle just after Easter by renowned portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz."

She was also wearing it when she posed for photos with her little brother Prince Louis after he was born.

Credit: Instagram / Kensington Palace

The loving picture was also posted to the official Instagram of Kensington Palace. The caption reads:

"‪The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to share two photographs of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, taken by The Duchess at Kensington Palace.‬ This image was taken on 2nd May, on Princess Charlotte’s third Birthday.‬ ‪The Duke and Duchess would like to thank members of the public for their kind messages following the birth of Prince Louis, and for Princess Charlotte’s third birthday.‬"

There's no denying what a beautiful family Kate, Wills and their three adorable children make. And we can only imagine how much more vibrant the family will be when Harry and Meghan's new addition to family arrives in a few months' time.