Meghan Markle was full of joy on Tuesday as the Duchess of Sussex marked her 45th birthday in style, even though she didn't receive public messages from the royal family.
Social media accounts for King Charles remained silent for his daughter-in-law's birthday, although the monarch may have wished Meghan a happy birthday privately.
However, it wasn't a snub; Charles didn't send a public message to Meghan because of a royal rule that came into effect in 2022. The rule was implemented by the late Queen and meant that birthday wishes for non-working royals are only sent for birthdays ending in a 0.
This rule has even extended to Prince Harry, who received a birthday message when he turned 40 back in 2024. A post on the royal family's social media read: "Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!", and it was even shared by social media accounts for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
How did Meghan Markle celebrate her birthday?
The Duchess of Sussex, who now lives in Montecito, California, with her family, celebrated her birthday in style by jumping into a swimming pool with balloons tied around her. She looked magical in a black one-piece swimsuit, and she captioned the image: "Thank you for the birthday love!"
Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever, also took the opportunity to pay a special tribute to its founder. Sharing a carousel of images that included a throwback photo of the Duchess as a youngster, the brand's post read: "Happy birthday to our founder, @meghan."
© InstagramMaking a nod to one of the brand's signature candle scents, the caption added: "Lighting No. 084 to celebrate!"
The 45-year-old later shared a light-hearted clip of her dancing barefoot around her kitchen while wearing a sparkling "Happy Birthday" tiara. Dressed in a white T-shirt emblazoned with the words "It's Giving Mrs" and matching trousers, Meghan twirled and laughed around her birthday balloons as Harry captured the candid moment on camera.
© Getty ImagesThe royal's husband could be heard laughing in the background as he murmured: "Oh dear," as his wife danced around their breakfast spread, which featured bagels, cream cheese and tomatoes.
Meghan is believed to have spent her special day with her husband and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, at the family's California home.
