Meghan Markle’s 45th birthday went publicly unacknowledged by the royal family on Tuesday because the Duchess of Sussex is no longer a working royal, according to multiple experts.
“Birthday wishes to a private citizen would be sent privately,” royal commentator Tom Sykes exclusively told Page Six, referring to Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to resign from their royal roles in 2020.
“There’s absolutely no way anything will be put on social media feeds or anything like that,” he added.
Meghan Markle (seen here in August) didn’t get a public birthday wish from the royal family because she isn’t a working royal. / SplashNews.com
Royal family members (seen above) have not posted about her birthday on Instagram for years. Getty Images
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield agreed, telling Page Six that Markle’s in-laws haven’t wished her a happy birthday on Instagram ever since she stepped away from her royal responsibilities.
“The Royal Family has consistently reserved official birthday wishes for working royals, and Harry, Meghan, and their children haven’t been included in that policy for several years,” Schofield said, noting, “Palace officials would tell you it’s protocol, not personal.
Both experts believe some members of the monarchy will likely reach out privately to send the As Ever founder birthday wishes.
“There’s absolutely no way anything will be put on social media feeds or anything like that,” Tom Sykes said of the royal family (seen above with Prince Harry and Markle in 2018). Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Kinsey Schofield said the practice of the royal family (above) is “protocol” and not “personal.” WireImage
“The king is a scrupulously polite man, and I’m quite certain he would wish to send his daughter-in-law his birthday wishes,” Sykes said of Harry’s father, King Charles III.
Schofield believes Charles is likely to have his palace staffers send Markle a gift or birthday card.
“Charles has always had a compassionate streak, and despite everything that’s happened, he has rarely gone out of his way to be overtly unkind toward Meghan,” she said. “A discreet gesture would be entirely in keeping with his character.”
Less likely to reach out to Markle would be Harry’s estranged brother, Prince William, and his wife, Kate Middleton.
“I don’t think they will be expecting any [birthday wishes] from Prince William and Catherine,” Sykes, the “Royalist Substack” author, said.
Schofield explained that there is “simply” no relationship between Markle and her brother-in-law anymore.
Harry and Markle (above) have been estranged from the royal family since they resigned from their royal duties in 2020. / SplashNews.com
Markle (right) is more likely to receive private birthday messages from the royal family. / SplashNews.com
“They believe Meghan played a significant role in the breakdown of family trust, and I think any suggestion that they’re secretly exchanging birthday wishes belongs more in the realm of wishful thinking than reality,” Schofield claimed.
It’s unclear how Markle plans to celebrate the milestone birthday, though Schofield predicted that she will be surrounded by family and friends.
“If they celebrate with friends, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them return to one of their favorite Montecito spots, whether that’s Lucky’s Steakhouse or Tre Lune, both of which have become familiar choices for the Sussexes over the years,” Schofield said.
“The king is a scrupulously polite man, and I’m quite certain he would wish to send his daughter-in-law his birthday wishes,” Sykes said of Harry’s father, King Charles III (seen above with Markle and Queen Camilla in 2018). Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Sykes believes Prince William and Kate Middleton (seen here with Markle and Harry in 2022) won’t be sending their birthday wishes. Getty Images
The “Unfiltered” podcast host believes Markle will use her birthday as a “carefully curated public moment.”
On Tuesday, Markle posted two photos of herself jumping into a pool while holding a balloon bouquet to celebrate turning 45.
“Thank you for the birthday love! 🎈,” she captioned the post.
Schofield said Markle (seen here with Harry) might celebrate her birthday at a restaurant in Los Angeles. meghan/Instagram
She could also be spending her D.O.B. with her kids (seen above with Harry). meghan/Instagram
Last year, Markle marked her 44th birthday with friends and family at Beverly Hills hotspot Funke.
She also posted an Instagram image of herself blowing out the candles on her birthday cake as she made a wish.
“Blowing out the candles on a beautiful 24 hours, and thanking my husband, friends and family for making it so special,” she captioned the post at the time.
“To those of you I don’t know, but who send love every day – thank you so much. Please know I feel it and appreciate it ❤️,” she added.
Markle also shouted out the restaurant, calling her meal “the top five meals of [her] life.”
Markle posted an Instagram photo of herself with balloons on her 45th birthday Tuesday (seen above). meghan/Instagram
“Thank you for the birthday love! 🎈,” she captioned the post (above). meghan/Instagram
The “Suits” alum has not received a public birthday shoutout from the royal family since she and Harry left their royal roles in 2020 and moved to California, where they now reside with their two kids: Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
While they were initially on the outs with Charles due to mounting tensions, the Sussexes have been in the process of mending relations with the king and even visited him and Queen Camilla last month.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, for their part, have still not buried the hatchet with Markle and Harry.