Meghan Markle reportedly wants to celebrate her birthday out of town after being "cooped up" in her Los Angeles mansion since March. But she also plans to take precautions and require birthday guests to take a COVID-19 test.
According to Daily Mail, Meghan Markle plans to go to Montecito near Santa Barbara, with Prince Harry, Archie and some friends, for her 39th birthday on Aug. 4. A friend said that the Sussex family has been feeling a bit too isolated and confined because of the coronavirus lockdown.
Montecito is reportedly where Oprah Winfrey lives. While the friend didn't say if this is who they are going to spending time with, the Duchess of Sussex apparently longs for a change in scenery.
The source also explained that Meghan plans to get a "fast-tracked COVID-19 test" for her birthday guest list. However, this get-together will be a trimmed-down affair because the Duchess of Sussex is only planning to invite her closest friends.
As much as possible, the birthday celebration will be low-key. Prince Harry's wife apparently doesn't want to be irresponsible and careless, amid the current public health crisis, the source said.
Meanwhile, Meghan's birthday won't be marked with the tolling of the bells at Westminster Abbey in London. A spokesperson for the Abbey confirmed that the bell is traditionally tolled for the senior members of the royal family but Meghan and Prince Harry gave up this status early this year. Incidentally, the bell will not be ringing for Prince Harry's birthday on Sept. 15 as well.
Last year, Meghan spent her birthday in Frogmore Cottage with just Prince Harry and Archie, who was only a few months old. This year, the Duchess of Sussex will have her mother, Doria Ragland, with her. It was reported early this week that she has moved in with the family and is enjoying her grandmother duties for Archie.
Meanwhile, Meghan and Prince Harry have been trying to build a new life away from the royal spotlight in Los Angeles. But a commentator said that the Sussex pair still craves for public life, where they are not bounded by royal constraints and protocols to do and say that they want.
According to Victoria Murphy, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry do not want the royal brand but it will be hard for them to shake off their royal ties. Both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex still maintain royal patronages and Prince Harry's connection to his family is lifelong.
