In a move that has been interpreted as a pointed royal snub, Buckingham Palace's official social media channels made no mention of Prince Harry's 41st birthday on Saturday. The conspicuous silence from The Firm came just days after a brief, reported reunion between the Duke of Sussex and his father, King Charles III, at Clarence House.
The Palace's digital platforms instead chose to focus their attention on commemorating former US President Donald Trump's 2019 State Visit. A series of posts highlighted the pomp and ceremony of the occasion, featuring images of the King, then the Prince of Wales, and Queen Camilla hosting the Trumps.
This deliberate omission has sent a clear message of ongoing tension within the House of Windsor. Royal commentators were quick to note the stark contrast, suggesting the choice to highlight a past political event over a son's birthday was far from coincidental.
A Brief Reunion Overshadowed
The birthday silence is particularly notable given the context of Harry's recent quick trip to the UK. The Duke reportedly spent mere minutes with his father at the monarch's London residence, a meeting that itself was shrouded in secrecy and brevity.
This lack of public acknowledgement stands in stark contrast to the fanfare that traditionally accompanies senior royals' birthdays. Official accounts routinely mark such occasions with archival photographs and warm, celebratory messages, a tradition from which Harry is now seemingly excluded.
The Trump Visit Takes Centre Stage
While Harry's milestone was ignored, the Palace's social media team enthusiastically shared a carousel of images from President Trump's controversial State Visit. The posts showcased the full spectacle of royal hospitality, including the grand State Banquet where the King and the then-President were all smiles.
The juxtaposition has not gone unnoticed by the public and media alike, fuelling further speculation about the depth of the rift within the royal family and the firmness of the institution's stance towards the Sussexes.
