Kate Middleton had an unexpected gift from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry when she celebrated her 39th birthday on Jan. 9.
A source revealed via Us Weekly that Kate was "taken aback" by the gift from the Sussexes though it's not known what item she received. The present arrived soon after reports came out that Kate and Prince William have been planning to visit Harry and Meghan in California this year.
Kate had a low-key birthday celebration with her children and husband at Anmer Hall, where they have been isolating for the third lockdown in the United Kingdom. The family had a tea party hosted by George, Charlotte and Louis, while William gifted his wife a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings.
The birthday surprise gift from the Sussexes comes as royal correspondent Katie Nicholl told Entertainment Tonightthat William and Harry have been rebuilding their fractured relationship. Nicholl said that the royal brothers made video calls to each other last Christmas and New Year and that both families have had a Christmas gift exchange.
It's been much better between the Cambridges and the Sussexes compared to early 2020 when William didn't talk to Harry for months after the latter announced he was giving up his royal roles. However, Nicholl can't say if the relationship will go back to the way it was before, especially with their physical distance.
Harry has been staying in California with Meghan Markle since March 2020 and has not personally seen his family except through video calls. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to be reunited with the royal family in June 2021 for the Trooping the Colour celebration.
The Sussexes might also come home earlier to be present for Prince Philip's 100th birthday. Harry, Meghan, William and Kate, as well as their children, could also be reunited for the special unveiling of Princess Diana's statue at Kensington Palace in July.
Sources at the Palace said that things could soon go back to normal business as the vaccination program has rolled out in the U.K. However, the royals will still heed the government guidelines and listen to any advice about traveling or gathering in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Kate posted a message of thanks on the Kensington Royal Instagram account for the birthday wishes she received from the public. The Duchess of Cambridge said that birthday celebrations are not quite the same because of the pandemic and she still thought of the frontline workers in her post.
