WENN

Rod Stewart has hit out at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their decision not to spend Christmas with the Queen, especially considering the monarch's advancing age.

Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan announced that they would be celebrating the holidays with her mother Doria Ragland, reportedly in her home country of America – going against the tradition of Queen Elizabeth's nearest and dearest spending the special day with the ruler.

Their decision has been seen as a snub by many, with Rod hitting out at the royal couple in an interview with the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine.

"The Queen is 93. I flew round the world to be with my mom and dad at Christmas because I knew they didn't have many left," he said. "I was disappointed Harry and Meghan decided not to spend Christmas with the Queen."

He added: "If I was Harry, I'd think there was plenty of time in the future to have Christmases on my own or with Meghan's mom."

This Christmas will be Harry and Meghan's first with their son Archie, who was born in May.

Announcing their plans in a statement last month, a palace spokesperson said: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.

"Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess' mother Doria Ragland. This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen."