The Duchess of Sussex marked her 45th birthday on Tuesday (August 4) but the occasion was met with silence from the Palace, which instead announced the birth of Princess Eugenie's daughter. The timing has sparked claims of a 'petty' royal move that left Meghan blindsided.
Birthday celebrations shared online
Meghan shared a glimpse into her birthday celebrations at home with Prince Harry, posting a series of Instagram Stories. One slide showed a black-and-white photo of her jumping into a pool while holding balloons, captioned: "Thank you for the birthday love." Another video captured her dancing in the kitchen as food sizzled on the stove.
Palace announcement on the same day
Buckingham Palace announced on Meghan's birthday that Princess Eugenie had welcomed a baby daughter in Lisbon. The baby was born on August 3, but the announcement was delayed until 6pm on August 4, according to GB News royal correspondent Cameron Walker.
Walker questioned: "Is the Palace really that petty to overshadow Meghan jumping into a pool on Instagram?"
Speculation of a deliberate move
GB News' deputy royal editor, Dorothy Reddin, suggested the timing was deliberate, noting: "We will never know, but it would have been the Palace's decision. It wouldn't have been Eugenie's." She added that Eugenie could have chosen to announce the news on Meghan's birthday, possibly as a subtle response to the Sussexes sharing their pregnancy news at her 2018 wedding.
"If [Eugenie] was annoyed you could say that she sort of got her revenge by announcing it on Meghan's birthday," Dorothy said.
The Palace's statement confirmed the birth, saying: "Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of The Royal Family have been delighted to be informed and welcome the arrival of the newest member of the family." No public message was issued to mark Meghan's birthday.
