Why Meghan isn't celebrating her birthday this year

Meghan Markle is about to celebrate her 38^th birthday, but as the Duchess of Sussex gets ready for her big day, the question on every royal fan's lips is: how will she celebrate?

As a royal, Meghan has just about every door in the world open for her, so she could choose pretty much any venue to host a lavish party or elegant dinner.

Many royal fans expected the duchess to host a lavish birthday party full of A-listers and celeb pals, a la her February baby shower in New York.

But it turns out the baby shower, or rather the backlash it caused, is exactly why Meghan won't be celebrating her birthday in style.

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That's right: Amal Clooney, Serena Williams and all of Meghan's other high-profile besties will be sitting this birthday out.

"Frogmore Cottage will host a celebration for Meghan's birthday," a source told The Sun.

"The Clooney's clan will be in Villa Oleandra on Lake Como and the Sussexes will not want to be seen enjoying more of their lavish hospitality after the PR disaster backlash post the US baby shower."

Critics had plenty of harsh words for Meghan following her baby shower in February, despite the fact that it was her A-List friends that organised and allegedly paid for the event.

Fans have speculated that the royal family now want Meghan to keep things low-key for her birthday to avoid a repeat of the baby shower drama, which is understandable.

Instead the Duchess will celebrate her birthday quietly at her and Harry's Windsor home, spending the day with their son Archie, who is now almost three months old.

There have also been reports that the Queen has invited the whole Sussex clan to Balmoral, where she vacations every year, and is expected to do something small for the duchess' special day.

"They will celebrate Meghan's birthday, and the catering team will bake a cake to mark the occasion," a royal source previously told The Sun.

When it comes to birthday gifts, Her Majesty won't be giving Meghan jewellery or shoes – but what do you give someone who can have anything she wants?

"It's no secret Balmoral is Her Majesty's favourite home and that's why this invite is so special and heartfelt," the source said, explaining that the invite alone will serve as Meghan's gift.

And though we're sure Harry will gift his wife something special, there's no word yet on what that might be.