Meghan Markle turned 42 on August 4, but the royal family’s social media accounts were conspicuously silent, encouraging claims of a bitter family rift.
The Duchess celebrated with a dinner in Montecito the night before her birthday with Prince Harry, their first outing together since rumors began to surface about the couple’s alleged marriage crisis.
Why didn’t Meghan Markle receive congratulations on her birthday?
The absence of birthday greetings on the royal family’s official accounts raises questions, especially when contrasted with previous years.
In 2021, following the polarizing Oprah interview, the Queen, Prince Charles, and the Cambridges publicly acknowledged Meghan’s birthday online.
However, the Queen refrained from congratulating her in 2022, although the then Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and William and Catherine did congratulate her.
This silence is attributed in part to a new protocol established in 2022, limiting congratulations to only active members of the Firm. Those who actively perform duties on behalf of the monarchy.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted to Newsweek that while this technicality excuses the snub, “In reality, it lays bare the bitter rift in the royal family,” exacerbated by Harry’s memoir and related interviews.
Fitzwilliams explains that this move aligns with the royal family’s efforts to establish a clear divide between them and the Sussexes, an approach that has gained traction in the wake of the controversies.
In light of recent events, the prospect of reconciliation has receded.
Meghan’s absence at the coronation solidifies the rift
Back in May, there was speculation about whether Harry and Meghan would be reunited with the royals at Charles’ coronation. But Buckingham Palace confirmed that only Harry would attend, while Meghan would remain in California.
According to Fitzwilliams, “the royal family was relieved in private.” by her absence.
Although technically excused by protocol, the lack of birthday greetings suggests to some royal commentators lingering tensions and an uncomfortable path forward.
As the Sussexes continue to reassert their independence, the growing rift with the monarchy shows no signs of resolution.