Prince Harry Forgiven, But Meghan Markle Left Out: A Birthday Snub Sparks Tension

Prince Harry and Meghan MarklePhoto byGetty Images

Prince Harry’s 40th birthday should have been a time of celebration for the Duke of Sussex, but the well-wishes from his estranged family have left Meghan Markle feeling sidelined. Despite the ongoing royal rift, King Charles and Prince William took to social media to post birthday greetings for Harry—yet the gesture came with a glaring omission that didn't go unnoticed by Meghan.

Also Read: Meghan Markle lives ‘separate life’ as Harry feels like ‘spare part’

For years, the relationship between Harry and the senior royals has been strained. However, this year’s milestone birthday marked a surprising twist as Harry received warm wishes from his father, King Charles, and his brother, Prince William. The heartfelt post featured a picture of Harry, but what stood out was who wasn't in the photo—Meghan Markle, Harry’s wife.

While Harry may have been moved by the gesture, Meghan's response was less positive. According to sources close to the Duchess of Sussex, she was “happy for Harry” because she knew how important the acknowledgment from his family was to him, but at the same time, “she’s understandably upset, too,” reported Heat World.

Read More: Meghan Markle’s Attempts to Showcase Control Over Prince Harry Have Been Exposed

The choice to share an image of Harry without Meghan felt like a deliberate snub to her. “She thinks it could be sending the message that it’s Harry they’re ready to forgive,” the insider continued. The omission of Meghan from the photo triggered feelings of exclusion.

The same source, who attended Harry’s birthday party in Montecito along with the couple's children Archie and Lilibet, shared more insights into Meghan’s reaction: “It seems obvious they’d take him back in a heartbeat and, as usual, Meghan’s the one in the wrong. Picking an image without her in it felt symbolic and like a snub—whether intended or not—and by all accounts, she’s fuming about it. She refuses to be pushed out like this.”

More: King Charles’ Pal Reveals Surprising Detail About Prince Harry’s Birthday Post

Onlookers from the royal community have reacted differently to this situation. Some historians and royal experts have praised King Charles, Prince William, Queen Camilla, and Kate Middleton for extending the olive branch to Harry despite his self-imposed exile from royal duties. However, the absence of Meghan in the birthday tribute has sparked further tension, showing that healing the rift within the family may be far from straightforward.