Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a move towards Princess Catherine that was branded selfish when they announced they were stepping back from the Royal Family. The Sussexes announced their intentions to withdraw on January 8, 2020.
Prince Harry and Meghan revealed they were stepping back from their royal roles and would split their time between the UK and the US to "work to become financially independent".
Statement released before Catherine's birthday
Their statement read: "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.
"We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.
"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity."
This was released the night before Princess Catherine's 38th birthday on January 9. This was not the last time the Sussexes overshadowed the Princess of Wales's birthday as Harry chose to release his memoir, Spare, the day after her birthday (January 10) in 2023.
Birthday message and royal response
Commenting on a released portrait of Catherine shared on the Kensington Palace Instagram the day after the announcement, Harry and Meghan's official account wrote: "Wishing a very happy birthday to the Duchess of Cambridge today!" This was accompanied by a heart and a birthday cake emoji.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said in response that discussions with the couple were "at an early stage" and added: "We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."
Multiple sources reported that Queen Elizabeth, the then-Prince Charles and Prince William had been shocked by the news and had not been consulted beforehand. The Queen invited Prince Harry, as well as Prince Charles and Prince William, to a 'Sandringham Summit' to discuss the plans for Harry's departure.
