
- Today is Meghan Markle's 39th birthday!
- The Queen's official Twitter and Instagram accounts shared a photo of the Duchess of Sussex with the monarch to mark the occasion.
- The snap was taken during Meghan's first royal engagement without Prince Harry, in Cheshire, England—and could contain a subtle message of support from the Queen.
Meghan Markle turned 39 today, and as is 21st century royal custom, the Queen's social media team marked the occasion by posting a sweet photo of the Duchess and the monarch on Instagram and Twitter. The photo, taken during Meghan and the Queen's royal visit to Cheshire in June 2018, was accompanied by a simple caption: "Wishing The Duchess of Sussex a very happy birthday!" Kate Middleton and Prince William posted similarly, sharing a photo of Meghan with the almost identical caption, "Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex today!" And Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles sent birthday wishes too, writing, "Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Sussex!"
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
What sets the Queen's message apart, however, is the photo choice—or more specifically, the event at which the photo was taken. Reports are circulating that some members of the royal family have reacted negatively to Meghan and Harry's decision to step down as senior royals (see: Kate reportedly snubbing Meghan at March's Commonwealth Service). In contrast, the Queen's post could be read as a message of support.
Meghan and the Queen's joint royal trip to Cheshire, during which they opened the Mersey Gateway Bridge and toured the Storyhouse Theatre in Chester, was a momentous one. Not only was it the Duchess and the monarch's first official engagement together, but it marked Meghan's first royal engagement without Prince Harry, and took place right after the Sussexes' royal wedding.
And it was a resounding success for Meghan, who officially joined the royal family less than a month prior. BBC reporter Kaleigh Watterson observed, "Meghan seemed like a natural in her new royal role and looked genuinely happy as she stopped to chat and shake hands with those assembled; many of them hadn't expected she would have time to speak to them and were visibly moved."
What's more, the engagement produced a series of instantly iconic photos of Meghan and the Queen, indicating the strong rapport between the two. Remember this photo of the royals getting the giggles?
How about this one?
While the decision to share a photo from the event on Meghan's birthday was likely made by a member of the Queen's social media team, rather than the woman herself, it still sends a strong message, reminding viewers of the bond between the two. A potential conclusion? The Queen is very much on Meghan and Harry's side.
Meghan Markle's Most Iconic Fashion Moments
March 9, 2020
Meghan and Prince Harry attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey with all of the royal family. Meghan is wearing a custom Emilia Wickstead dress and carrying a Gabriela Hearst Demi bag; she's also wearing Birks earrings and Aquazzura heels.
March 8, 2020
The Duchess of Sussex visits the Robert Clack School for International Women's Day. Meghan is wearing a ME+EM jacket, a Cuyana T-shirt, a Rejina Pyo bag, and Jennifer Chamandi pumps.
March 7, 2020
Meghan arrives with Prince Harry at the Mountbatten Music Festival. She is wearing a Safiyaa dress, Simone Rocha earrings, and a Manolo Blahnik clutch.
March 5, 2020
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to the Endeavour Fund Awards. The Duchess of Sussex is wearing a blue tonal look in a Victoria Beckham pencil dress, Manolo Blahnik pumps, a Jessica McCormack bracelet, and a Stella McCartney clutch.
January 7, 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrive at Canada House in London for their first 2020 appearance. She is seen wearing a Reiss Coat, Massimo Dutti turtleneck and skirt, and Jimmy Choo Romy pumps.
November 9, 2019
Meghan steps out in a bespoke Erdem dress, her favorite Aquazzura heels, and Jessica McCormack earrings, for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
November 7, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex attends the 91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. She wore a Sentaler coat, a Phillip Treacy hat, Tamara Mellon boots, and Dents gloves.
October 25, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a panel discussion on gender equality with The Queen's Commonwealth Trust. Meghan is wearing a monochromatic look in a Joseph sweater, a Hugo Boss leather skirt, Sarah Flint pumps, and Emily Mortimer stud earrings.
October 22, 2019
Meghan Markle arrives to the One Young World Summit in an Aritzia dress paired with Manolo Blahnik pumps.
October 15, 2019
Meghan Markle recycles her engagement dress to WellChild Awards, a charity for seriously ill children and their families. She pairs her P.A.R.O.S.H. dress with a Sentaler coat and Montunas bag.
October 2, 2019
For a South African engagement to visit the Youth Employment Services in South Africa, the Duchess of Sussex steps out in Hannah Lavery shirt dress, Madewell earrings, and Stuart Weitzman pumps.
September 30, 2019
Meghan Markle steps out during a visit to Monwabisi Beach with Prince Harry. She paired her Madewell denim jacket with Brother Vellies Huarache sandals.
September 25, 2019
During the royal tour in South African, Meghan wore an Everlane black jumpsuit and Gas Bijoux gold statement earrings.
September 25, 2019
Meghan and Archie step out for Archie's first royal engagement during the tour in South Africa. She wore a Club Monaco dress and a pair of Jennifer Meyer turquoise earrings.
September 24, 2019
Meghan chose a Staud dress, Cuyana scarf and Sam Edelman flats for the visit at Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with Prince Harry.
September 23, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visit District 6 Museum in Cape Town, South Africa. Meghan wore a Veronica Beard blue button-down dress and Castañer espadrilles.
September 12, 2019
The Duchess Of Sussex attends the launch of the Smart Works Capsule Collection, while wearing a Misha Nonoo button-down and wearing butterfly earrings and a cuff that once belonged to Princess Diana.
July 14, 2019
The Duke and Duchess walk the red carpet for the Lion King premiere in London. Meghan wears a Jason Wu dress and Nikos Koulis earrings with a Gucci clutch.
July 13, 2019
The Duchess of Sussex enjoys Wimbledon in her Le Specs sunglasses and Jennifer Meyer earrings.
July 4, 2019
Meghan Markle attends Wimbledon to watch her friend Serena Williams. She wore her L'Agence blazer and Finlay sunglasses, and a delicate necklace with an A for Archie.