started · updated
Meghan Markle celebrates 45th birthday with pool jump, royal family stays silent
Meghan Markle turned 45 on 4 August and marked the milestone on Instagram with black‑and‑white photos of herself leaping into a pool while holding a bunch of balloons, dressed in a black one‑piece swimsuit and sunglasses. She later posted Instagram Stories showing a spontaneous kitchen dance and her two dogs, Pula and Mia, wearing tiny party hats. Her lifestyle brand As Ever also shared a tribute, highlighting a birthday candle from its Lighting No. 084 line.
The British royal family did not issue any public birthday greeting. Royal commentators explained that protocol reserves official wishes for working members of the family; Meghan and Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Experts said any congratulations would be conveyed privately, and that King Charles III is likely to have sent a personal note, though no public statement was made. The episode follows a recent private reunion at Highgrove House where Meghan, Harry and their children met the king and queen.
The celebration was a private, family‑focused event in the Sussexes' Montecito home, emphasizing a low‑key, authentic style rather than a formal royal affair.
Entities
Archie · As Ever · Highgrove House · King Charles III · Lilibet · Meghan Markle · Montecito, California · Montecito, California · Prince Archie · Prince Harry · Prince William · Princess Lilibet