iOS 26 + watchOS 26 Notification Issue: Notifications Disappear on apple watch only

Since updating to watchOS 26, I've been experiencing a persistent and frustrating issue with notifications disappearing from my Apple Watch!

The Problem:

• Before watchOS 26: Notifications would remain in the Watch Notification Center all day until I manually tapped "Clear All."
• Now: They are instantly cleared from the watch when the phone is unlocked, even though they remain visible in the iPhone's Notification Center.

What I've Tried

• Restarted both the Apple Watch and iPhone.
• Checked all Notification Settings and Watch Mirroring Settings.
• Confirmed both devices are running the latest software updates.

Has anyone else experienced this exact behavior since the watchOS 26 update, or does anyone know a specific setting that controls this "clear on unlock" function?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!