The Royal Family's silence on Meghan Markle's 45th birthday has been called a telling snub by a royal commentator, who branded the Duchess of Sussex "toxic and self-obsessed".
Meghan, who turned 45 on Tuesday, August 4, received no public birthday message from the royals, just as in 2025. The silence comes weeks after her incognito UK trip with children Archie and Lilibet, which included a private meeting with the King and Queen during Prince Harry's five-day visit.
Commentator's Criticism
Lee Cohen, a US-based columnist and royal commentator, told the Daily Express: "Why on Earth would anyone send birthday wishes to a toxic, self-obsessed in-law who spent her brief tenure publicly attacking the monarchy and family members?"
He added: "She brought endless drama, grievance and attention-seeking to an institution built on duty, discretion and service, casting a shadow over the final years of the beloved late Queen."
Last Public Wishes in 2021
The royals last publicly wished Meghan a happy birthday in 2021, when she turned 40, over a year after she and Harry stepped down as senior working royals. Mr Cohen continued: "Rather than embracing the privilege she was given, she chose profit and publicity over loyalty, and in doing so incinerated every bridge behind her."
He concluded: "Another chance? The only thing she deserves is permanent exile from the family she insulted so despicably."
Possible Royal Rule
The silence may stem from a rule attributed to the late Queen Elizabeth, believed to have been introduced so the royals only publicly mark non-working royals' birthdays ending in zero. In 2022, when Meghan turned 41, the royal X account stayed silent, a move many saw as a snub after the 40th birthday message in 2021, which included three pictures and the words: "Wishing the Duchess of Sussex a very happy birthday today!"
Prince Harry received public birthday wishes when he turned 40 in 2024.
