Meghan Markle has reportedly been left deeply hurt after the Royal Family failed to publicly acknowledge her birthday.
According to Heat magazine, the Duchess of Sussex viewed the lack of a formal birthday message from the Palace as another sign that she remains excluded from royal life.
Under current royal protocol, official birthday wishes are generally reserved for working members of the family. Harry and Meghan stepped down from their senior royal roles in 2020 and have since built an independent life in the United States.
However, a source claimed the explanation felt particularly difficult for Meghan to accept because her birthday came just weeks after a reported visit to the UK.
“The excuse that she can’t be acknowledged because she’s not a working royal feels very hollow, because who exactly is making that rule?” the insider said. “Is there some sort of social media committee in Parliament?”
From Meghan’s perspective, the source added, “it just feels like yet another chance to exclude her.”
The Duchess is also said to believe that her place in the family should be recognised because she is the mother of King Charles’ grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
According to the insider, Meghan made a considerable effort to bring the children to England so the King could spend time with them. While she was reportedly grateful for Charles’ desire to strengthen his relationship with Archie and Lilibet, the absence of a public birthday message still came as a painful disappointment.
“She’s very grateful that he wants to get to know Archie and Lili, and grateful to have been welcomed the way she was,” the source said. “So to then be snubbed this way, just a few weeks later, must be very hurtful.”
