Meghan Markle has faced criticism for the Instagram posts she shared to mark her 45th birthday. In one video, the Duchess of Sussex dances around a kitchen island surrounded by happy birthday balloons at her home in Montecito, California. In another, she giggles while attempting to put a party hat on her dogs.
Reaction from News 24
The posts were branded "cringeworthy" on News 24, formerly Sky News Australia. Reporter Chloe Walker claimed Meghan wanted to ensure everyone knew it was her special day despite the news that Princess Eugenie had given birth.
Speaking to Gabriella Power, Walker said: "The internet has certainly been divided over Meghan's series of posts. Even though Eugenie’s baby news was a great thing for the Royal Family to celebrate, Meghan definitely didn’t miss out."
Meghan's birthday message
Walker added: "She wanted everyone to know that it was still her birthday on August the 4th, so she woke up bright and early with a series of posts."
Describing the content, she said: "She was dancing with a little plastic crown and a t-shirt that said 'It's giving Mrs.' She wants everyone to know that she's still fun-loving, she's still in love with Harry, Harry’s in love with her and all is well in Montecito."
Mixed fan reactions
The reporter acknowledged the mixed reaction from fans, with some admitting they loved the videos because they offered an insight into the Sussexes' lives in Montecito. Others, she noted, remarked: "Wow. This is pretty interesting. Look how far the mighty have fallen. She could have been wearing a real crown, but instead now she's just wearing a plastic crown on her birthday."
Meghan also shared two photos of herself jumping into a swimming pool holding onto balloons, which Walker claimed was her way of showing how "fun and silly" she is. "This is how the Sussexes celebrate birthdays, not the Royal Family who are rigid and boring," she added, imitating Meghan.
As Ever tribute
Meanwhile, Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, marked her birthday by sharing a picture of her and praising the "woman behind it all". Walker concluded: "It was a lot, but very Meghan."
