Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle may not be spending Christmas Day together, but that hasn't stopped the couple getting into the festive spirit. On Monday night the 32-year-old royal and the American actress were spotted shopping for a Christmas tree in Battersea, London.
Harry and Meghan, 35, went on a low-key outing to Pines and Needles where they picked up a medium-sized tree.
"They came in at about 8.30pm last night," a spokesperson for the shop told HELLO! Online. "Prince Harry was with Meghan and hilariously the staff only recognised Meghan at first – they were so excited to have the girl from Suits there. It wasn't particularly cold but they were gloved and hatted out.
The couple stopped by Pines and Needles to pick up a tree
"The Christmas tree shop is in Battersea park so we've no idea if they were just passing – it's not too far from Kensington Palace, or whether they came specifically. It's a gorgeous atmosphere, so Christmassy, with carollers, it's very beautiful." The source added: "They arrived in a car and picked up a tree – they were there for about 15 minutes browsing and then having a look, then they selected their tree and Harry carried it on his shoulder once it was netted up, back to the car."
Meghan Markle has flown to London to be with Harry before Christmas
Sam Lyle, owner of Pines and Needles, said: "We have looked after some of Britain's highest profile names for nearly 20 years but you could have heard a pin drop – or a needle – when Prince Harry and Meghan walked into the store.
"They were completely charming together and blissfully unaware that our jaws had hit the floor.
They chose a gorgeous Nordmann Fir and walked away after exchanging Christmas pleasantries.
"We hope we can add them to our list of illustrious names who buy from us each and every year. There would certainly be a rush from our staff should they ask us to decorate it, too!"
Harry will spend Christmas Day with the rest of the royal family at Sandringham
The Prince and his new girlfriend have managed to maintain their transatlantic relationship, despite their busy work schedules. Shortly after his recent royal tour of the Caribbean, Harry made the 1,700-mile detour to Toronto to see Meghan, instead of travelling back on his scheduled flight to London. The couple spent a few days together before Harry returned to the UK to carry out his official duties. It seems Harry couldn't be away from his girl for too long, as Meghan flew to see him just a few days later.
Pines and Needles helped put up HELLO!'s Christmas tree
In keeping with tradition, Harry will spend Christmas Eve and Day at the Queen's Sandringham House in Norfolk with the rest of the royal family. Meghan is not expected to attend the festivities as she is not a family member, but there's no doubt the couple will squeeze in as much quality time together as possible.