The Duchess of Sussex celebrated her 45th birthday on Tuesday, but only a select few of her Hollywood friends marked the special day online, leading to mockery and speculation about a possible falling out.
Birthday celebrations and public tributes
Meghan Markle turned 45 on August 4 and posted a series of photos and videos about the day's celebrations. The Royal Family did not publicly mark the occasion, but two of her Hollywood friends did. Kelly McKee Zajfen shared a picture of her “dream girl”, Meghan, telling her that she is “so loved”. Tracy Robbins also shared photos on her Instagram stories, wishing her “partner in crime” a very happy birthday.
Abigail Spencer's noticeable silence
However, one friend stayed notably absent from the public well-wishes: actress Abigail Spencer. Ms Spencer has been close to Meghan for years and even appeared in her Netflix docuseries, With Love, Meghan. The actress, who shares the same birthday as the duchess and was a costar to her in Suits, stayed silent on Tuesday, even though she publicly marked it last year.
Royal fans noticed the silence and took to social media to express their views. One user said: “Abigail Spencer and Meghan Markle share the same birthday. Notice how Abigail didn’t wish her birthday twin a happy birthday this year.” Another added: “Abigail is actually a decent actress. I saw her on Law & Order, she had a complex part and I was impressed by her talent. Why she would stain herself associating with talentless Markle is mystifying.”
Fan reactions and defenses
A third user wrote: “The bubbles burst and the champagne went bathwater dirty and flat.” A fourth opined: “Spencer has been markled.” A fifth commented: “I think they had a falling out!” Others defended the duchess, with one user saying: “Good friends usually celebrate in person and in private. It does not have to be in public, where obsessive people like you will comment and criticise. Be kind.”
Last year, Spencer made a gushing post on her Instagram account, which featured the message: “As glorious as the day I met you. Champagne in human form. A creature unlike any other. Thank you for being a sister in this life, and beyond. Words can’t capture. From the rooftops. So grateful for your life, @meghan. Thanks for saving mine. Love, Abs.”
Other celebrities who were thought to be close missed her birthday publicly, including Jamie Kern Lima and Delfina Blaquier.
