Meghan 'likely' to share first photo of daughter Lilibet in celebration of her 40th birthday today
Meghan Markle could share a family photo with Lilibet today to mark her upcoming 40th birthday — providing a first glimpse at the new eighth-in-line to the throne.
The Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry welcomed their daughter into the world on June 4, and have shielded her from the public eye ever since.
RELATED: Harry and Meghan welcome their second child, Lilibet 'Lili' Diana
Prince Harry and Meghan welcomed daughter Lilibet, their second child, on June 4. Getty
Royal fans have been awaiting an official photo of the newborn for eight weeks now, and it may come this week to mark Meghan's 40th birthday.
Royal commentator Phil Dampier told The Sun, "I think it's likely we will see a picture of the family.
"It wouldn't surprise me, if Meghan does release a pic of her with Lilibet to mark her 40th birthday, as they will want to emphasise what a happy family unit they are."
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams also told The Sun he thought the release of a new photo was likely.
"I would expect something online, as they are very savvy about online posting, and their brand has a great many fans, and Meghan's 40th is a very big milestone," he said.
A photo of Archie's feet shared by Harry and Meghan on Mother's Day in 2019. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Meghan is celebrating her 40th birthday today, August 4 — the same day as the late Queen Mother.
The possibility of the couple treating fans to a sweet glimpse at the entire family is high, given Harry and Meghan's love for breaking tradition.
Following the birth of son Archie in 2019, the couple chose not to pose on the hospital steps like Kate Middleton and Prince William did for the birth of their children.
RELATED: New Archie photo was Harry and Meghan 'trolling the world', author suggests
The couple released photos of Archie only a few days after he was born, and two years on, the wait for a photo of baby Lilibet has left fans perplexed.
But most believe it is only due to the couple's wish to grant their daughter as much privacy as possible.
Meghan and Harry with son Archie after his christening at Windsor Castle in 2019. Instagram
One of two photos the couple shared after announcing they were expecting their second child. Twitter
One commentator suggests the timing of a photo release this week could be in "bad taste".
Royal author Adam Helliker said the picture "would be slightly in bad taste, as it would be seen as helping to promote the Sussexes' brand".
Harry and Meghan have been criticised for self-promotion since they decided to quit royal life and become financially independent, more than a year ago.
RELATED: The real reason Harry and Meghan rejected a royal title for Archie
Criticisms of the couple escalated following their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, during which they claimed Meghan had been denied mental health care and said they felt 'trapped' in the royal institution.
Hours before the interview, Harry and Meghan released a new photo of them cradling their son, Archie.
In the interview, the couple then announced they were expecting a baby girl.
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