Meghan’s gushing birthday tribute to Prince Harry as royals remain silent

The Duchess of Sussex has posted a gushing tribute to mark Prince Harry’s 42nd birthday.

Meghan Markle, 45, shared a series of photos in a video posted on her official Instagram account alongside the caption: “He’s simply the best. Happy birthday my love.”

The video begins with a photo of Prince Harry sitting outdoors in the sun wearing sunglasses, followed by picture of the royal and his daughter Princess Lilibet skiing.

Next we see Harry, Prince Archie and Lilibet driving in an ATV with the family’s dog Pula trotting beside them, followed by a sweet photo of Harry and Meghan sharing a kiss in a vineyard.

The photo montage wraps up with an image of Harry practicing archery with Archie, and then photos of Harry and Lilibet seated at a table, standing on a outdoor balcony, and walking outside with Harry carrying Lilibet’s bike.

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The final image is of Harry, Meghan and Lilibet in an open vehicle outdoors while Harry and Lilibet share a sweet kiss, and then footage of the view as the family drives.

What was missing from Prince Harry’s first birthday celebration since returning to the UK has been any birthday wishes from the Duke of Sussex’s family, although traditionally public birthday wishes by the royal family are usually reserved for milestones.

The last time the British royals publicly acknowledged Prince Harry’s birthday was for his 40th birthday in 2024 on the official X account that represents King Charles and Queen Camilla. The caption read: “🎂 Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”

The Prince and Princess of Wales also wished Prince Harry happy birthday on his 40th on X via their Kensington Royal X account using the same photo and sharing the caption: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK on August 26, 2026, having lived in the US for just over six years after their resignation as senior working royals in 2020.

Their return to the UK has led to speculation Harry hopes to reconcile with his family, having shared tea with King Charles and Queen Camilla during a trip to the UK earlier this year, joined by Meghan, Archie and Lilibet.

The British royals initially remained silent about Harry and Meghan’s UK return, until King Charles released a bombshell statement clarifying the couple’s royal status as private citizens rather than working royals.

The letter, sent by the Lord Chamberlain on behalf of the king, said the couple was not to use their HRH status and did not represent the sovereign.

The letter resulted in Commonwealth nation Uganda pulling out of Prince Harry’s upcoming Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027. Uganda’s head of armed forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew the country’s participation, saying it would not take part “in anything that does not have His Majesty’s approval”.

A source close to Prince Harry told The Telegraph UK: “Intended or unintended, this is clearly a consequence of the Lord Chamberlain’s guidance regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that was rushed out without consultation on Monday. Sadly, the only people who will suffer are the Invictus Games competitors.”

This prompted King Charles to step in once again. Now, in a turnaround, Uganda has decided to reverse its decision after a phone call between Kainerugaba and Sir Clive Alderton, the king’s private secretary.

Although this hints at a continued thawing between Prince Harry and King Charles, prospects remain dim for a reconciliation with his brother and heir to the throne Prince William.