As Meghan Markle prepares to celebrate her 44th birthday on August 4, royal watchers are curious about what the day may hold for the Duchess of Sussex.
While official details are still under wraps, royal expert Grant Harrold has offered some predictions about how Meghan might mark the occasion and what kind of recognition she could receive from the royal family.
Private Celebrations in California
Last year, Meghan reportedly chose to spend her birthday in a low-key setting, enjoying a cozy cookout at home with Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lilibet. Grazia Magazine noted that she may have invited a few close friends to join the family for an outdoor summer barbecue.
Harrold, who previously served as a royal butler to King Charles III from 2004 to 2011, told The New York Post that such a gathering is likely again this year. “They may have a party, they do enjoy summer BBQs outdoors so they might invite friends round for a dinner or a BBQ,” he said, adding that Harry will undoubtedly make sure his wife feels “celebrated” on her special day.
Although Meghan and Harry are no longer working members of the royal family, Harrold believes that the Duchess may still receive birthday wishes — and possibly gifts — from senior royals in the UK. Speaking on behalf of Heart Bingo, he predicted that a surprise might be in store.
“As far as the Royal Family congratulating or wishing a happy birthday, I believe the King and Queen will wish her a happy birthday,” Harrold said. “I think Catherine as well, but Catherine might do it on behalf of her and William.”
Past Birthday Messages and Gift Traditions
In previous years, the Prince and Princess of Wales have publicly acknowledged Meghan’s birthday. In 2022, they shared a photo of her on social media to mark the occasion. However, public birthday wishes from the royal family have been notably absent in more recent years.
Despite ongoing tensions, Harrold said he believes that polite traditions like gift-giving may still be upheld. “I still think gifts do get exchanged. The thing with the Royal Family is that when it comes to politeness and manners, they are top of the game, so I do think they will still honour it. That’s my feeling.”
He also expects that Meghan’s team will post something to mark the day. “I think we’ll see something on social media. They’ll try to make people aware it’s her birthday, which is normal, that’s what everyone likes to do because it’s nice to get birthday wishes.”
A Complicated Relationship With the Royal Family
Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, Meghan and Harry have distanced themselves from the Firm, relocating to California and speaking openly about their experiences within the monarchy.
In his 2023 memoir Spare, Prince Harry revealed that there had been a disagreement between Meghan and Kate Middleton ahead of the couple’s 2018 wedding. The conflict reportedly revolved around bridesmaid dresses and left Meghan “sobbing on the floor.” However, it’s believed that Kate later visited with flowers and a note to smooth things over.
Despite past tensions, there may still be room for civility and small gestures of goodwill on Meghan’s birthday — even if they don’t come with much fanfare.