Aayush Pathak
Meghan Markle’s 43rd birthday on August 4 has once again been met with silence from the royal family, marking the second consecutive year that the Duchess of Sussex has not received public birthday wishes from her former family. This absence of acknowledgment has intensified discussions about the ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the royal family, particularly following their departure as senior royals in January 2020.
Silence on a Special Day
The royal family’s failure to recognize Meghan’s birthday comes after a year of significant tension. Last year, on her 42nd birthday, the royal family also refrained from issuing any public statements, which was particularly notable as it was her first birthday since King Charles ascended the throne following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022.
According to reports from Daily Mail UK, royal aides have stated that they only mark the birthdays of working members of the royal family on their official social media accounts, a claim that contradicts their previous actions when they publicly wished Meghan on her 41st birthday in 2021.
Prince William and Kate Middleton had previously acknowledged Meghan’s birthday with a heartfelt message on social media in 2022, stating, “Wishing a happy birthday to the Duchess of Sussex!” along with a photo of her during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Additionally, King Charles and Queen Camilla had also sent their wishes during her 41st birthday. The absence of such gestures this year has fueled speculation about the strained relations within the royal family.
Ongoing Tensions and Legal Battles
The silence from the royal family coincides with reports of ongoing tensions between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and King Charles. Friends of Prince Harry have suggested that his attempts to reach out to the King have gone unanswered, particularly amid their legal battles concerning security arrangements. Since stepping down from royal duties, the Sussexes have openly discussed their experiences, including in their Netflix docuseries and Prince Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” further complicating their relationship with the royal family.
This year, Meghan chose to focus on a different cause during her birthday, participating in an interview on CBS Sunday Morning, where she highlighted issues surrounding cyberbullying and the importance of protecting children online. During the interview, Meghan candidly shared her own struggles with mental health, stating, “I just didn’t – I didn’t want to be alive anymore,” reflecting on her experiences during her time in England. The couple’s focus on advocacy and their charitable work through the Archewell Foundation continues to be a priority for them as they navigate their new lives in California.
Despite the public snub, Meghan reportedly spent her birthday privately with family, as she has done in previous years. This low-key approach contrasts sharply with the public scrutiny and speculation surrounding her relationship with the royal family. As the Sussexes continue to establish their own identity outside the royal framework, the absence of royal birthday wishes serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing complexities within the family dynamics.
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