Meghan Markle's 43rd birthday came and went without any acknowledgment from the British royal family, underscoring the ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the monarchy.
Traditionally, senior members of the royal family have extended birthday wishes to Meghan, but this year, their silence speaks volumes about the strained relationships. Historically, even after the Sussexes stepped down from their senior royal roles in January 2020 and relocated to the United States amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there were efforts to maintain a semblance of cordial relations.
For example, on Meghan’s 41st birthday in 2022, both William and Catherine, along with then-Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla, publicly wished her a happy birthday. Their social media posts included heartfelt messages and photos from their visit to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
However, this year marked a significant departure from that tradition. No official birthday greetings were extended to Meghan by the royals, a stark contrast to previous years. Royal aides have explained that only the birthdays of working members of the royal family are acknowledged on their official social media accounts. Yet, this explanation seems unconvincing given the precedent set in prior years. The absence of birthday wishes has fueled speculation about the deteriorating relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the family.
Meghan herself did not publicly acknowledge any royal family member's birthday this year, and Prince Harry was notably silent about his wife's birthday. This mutual silence highlights the deepening divide between them. Compounding the situation are reports of a heated argument between Harry and Meghan during his 39th birthday celebration in Dorf, Germany. Witnesses claimed that the couple had a public disagreement over their children’s schooling at a local bar. What began as a celebration with friends and Invictus Games athletes reportedly took a sour turn as tensions escalated. Observers noted Meghan's unusually thin appearance and erratic behavior, while Harry reportedly consumed six half-pints, which likely contributed to the tension.
The Sussexes' apparent discord and Harry’s birthday festivities stand in sharp contrast to the public image they strive to maintain. Meghan, who has frequently emphasized her desire to be recognized for her individuality rather than her rank, seems increasingly isolated. Even close friends, such as Tyler Perry, did not publicly acknowledge her birthday this year. This isolation may be a result of the controversies and public criticism Meghan has faced since leaving the royal family, with accusations of vilifying and harassing her in-laws. Critics argue that her relentless pursuit of media attention and perceived hypocrisy have alienated her from the very family she once sought to join.
The royal family's silence can be interpreted as a clear message: Meghan is no longer considered a member of the royal fold. Her past actions, described by some as those of a lazy grifter trying to exploit every opportunity, have contributed to this estrangement. The royal family appears to be drawing a definitive line, signaling that Meghan is now merely Harry's wife and not a working royal. The lack of acknowledgment of Meghan's birthday symbolizes the broader rift within the royal family. As the Sussexes continue to navigate their new roles away from royal duties, their estrangement from The Firm becomes increasingly apparent. This year's birthday snub serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions and unresolved tensions that continue to characterize their relationship with the British monarchy.
