As Meghan Markle prepares to celebrate her 43rd birthday on August 4, reports indicate that King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to extend a private birthday tribute to the Duchess of Sussex. This gesture comes amid ongoing familial tensions and signals a possible effort to mend relationships within the royal family.
According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, despite the well-documented rift, Meghan is likely to receive personal birthday wishes from the monarch and his consort. "Harry will make sure that Meghan is celebrated. I think they will get messages from the King and the Queen, whether that be electronically or by old-fashioned mail," Harrold told OK Magazine. This private acknowledgment is notable as public recognition of Meghan's birthday on social media has been absent in recent years, with the official royal accounts now focusing solely on working royals.
While Harrold believes a private message will be sent, he is uncertain if Meghan will receive a gift. "I doubt there will be any public wishes made, they used to post on social media but that hasn't happened in the past few years, and I doubt that will change. They may send a gift as well, but given everything that has happened, there might not be," Harrold speculated. In more harmonious times, a piece of jewelry or a hand-me-down from the late Queen's collection might have been an appropriate gift.
The Sussexes' departure from royal duties and subsequent move to California have been a source of considerable strain within the family. Meghan, who retired from acting in 2017 to become a working royal, has returned to Hollywood as a producer. A source close to the Duchess revealed that while she cherishes her life with Harry and their children, she does miss her previous, more carefree lifestyle. "
Meghan has made no secret of how much she misses her carefree life when she was an actress," the source shared. "While she'd never change what she has with Harry and the kids, there is a big part of her that she wishes she could just get her old life back."
Despite the challenges, Meghan is optimistic about her future endeavors in Hollywood. "She has quite a few work commitments coming up but this is just the beginning of Meghan's big comeback, and she'll be doing things on her terms," the source explained. The Duchess is enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead, reminiscent of her time on the television show "Suits," which opened doors to exclusive events and connections with Hollywood A-listers without the intense scrutiny she now faces.
During a recent trip to Nigeria, the Sussexes expressed their contentment with their current life. "We're just doing great. And happy to be watching our family grow up and evolve. Of course, I'm happy. We're really happy," Meghan said. Prince Harry also shared his joy about the expansion of the Invictus Games to include Nigeria, highlighting his deep connection to Africa. "You know what Africa means to me over the years. It is a very, very special place, and to be able to include Nigeria now [in the Invictus Games], I'm very happy," Harry noted.
As Harry and Meghan navigate their new life in California, they remain committed to their causes and family. Harry often feels guilty for the sacrifices Meghan made to marry him and start a family, but he is unwavering in his support. "Harry often feels guilty for Meghan having to give up on her dream life, and he knows how much she sacrificed to marry him and have a family with him, so he will support her no matter what," an insider revealed.
OK magazine contributed to this report.
