Buckingham Palace denies cropping Meghan out of photo used to mark Prince Harry's birthday

Buckingham Palace has denied cropping the Duchess of Sussex out of a photo shared to mark Prince Harry's 40th birthday.

It follows earlier reports the image was edited to remove Meghan, who can be seen sitting next to her husband in the photo taken in 2018.

On Sunday, the official social media account for the royal family posted the photo with the caption: "Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!"

READ MORE: Prince Harry says he's 'excited' about turning 40

The same image was then re-shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales' account with the words: "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex."

It was taken when the couple was still working royals, in Dublin, during their first visit abroad as a married couple.

Many royal fans online pointed out the photo had featured Meghan sitting next to Harry, prompting speculation it had been cropped to remove the duchess.

In the original photograph, Meghan is seen alongside her husband at a table with two other people.

However, she was partially obscured and a photographic agency cropped the image in order to release a second, square version focused solely on Harry.

The two images were uploaded by the Press Association to Getty Images on the same day in 2018.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace confirmed the image used was not altered and was used in the format it was received, The Independent reported.

Many were surprised by the royal family wishing Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday, considering how strained relations with the Sussexes have been since their royal exit in 2020.

His birthday in 2023 was not recognised publicly, with palace sources insisting they only marked the birthdays of working members of the family.

In 2022, the family was observing a period of mourning following the death of Elizabeth II, ahead of her funeral on September 19.

READ MORE: Reconciliation unlikely after royals unite for Harry's birthday messages

But in 2021, the royals wished Meghan a happy 40th birthday, Prince Harry's birthday was acknowledged and Prince Andrew's 60th in 2020 was also recognised by the official social media account.

Palace sources said they had simply been following tradition by marking "significant" birthdays, even for non-working members of the family.

Prince Harry was spotted the day before his 40th with Meghan attending the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament, benefitting the Alliance for Children's Rights.

The event, held at the Los Angeles Tennis Club, was in honour of Kelly & Julian Zaifen's son, George, who died aged nine in July 2022.

At the time of the child's death, Meghan and Harry donated $5000 to a crowdfunding page made in George's honour. The donation was made under the name "Archie & Lilibet".

View gallery

Prince Harry's top 40 moments as he turns 40

Kelly thanked Prince Harry and Meghan for their ongoing support at the weekend and wished the duke a happy birthday.

"Harry and Meghan, you have been such a guiding light for our family not just In the way you have shown up in friendship but how you have shown up through the incredible work The Archewell Foundation does everyday," she wrote on her Instagram page _heartmom_

"I'm in awe of your commitment to community and to friendship. On behalf of the Alliance for Children's Rights, we thank you. On behalf of our family, we love you.

"Extra special day too…HAPPY 40th Birthday H! May this trip around the sun be the best yet."