A photograph of Prince Harry that was used by King Charles for a birthday message had Meghan Markle cropped out.
The Duke of Sussex celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday, with unexpected public well-wishes from both King Charles and Prince William.
On social media, the note and picture was shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales account with the message: "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex."
The post did not include the usual “W & C” sign-off, but the two messages were first nod to Duke of Sussex
Harry’s birthday in two years.
A photograph of Prince Harry that was used by King Charles for a birthday message had Meghan Markle cropped out.
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🎂 Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today! pic.twitter.com/sAlSiV9EaZ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 15, 2024
In the original photograph, Meghan, 43, is sitting next to him. It appears she was cropped out of the picture by the photographer at the time, reports The Sun.
While some fans speculated a possible reunion, royal commentators have warned against interpreting these birthday wishes as a sign of reconciliation.
Former royal reporter Michael Cole told GB News: "The big surprise of today is that the Prince and Princess of Wales added their birthday good wishes to those of Buckingham Palace. Now there's been none of that for at least two years. So what should we read into that? Well I would say it is definitely not an olive branch."
He added that the brothers are "still at war" and described the gesture as merely "obliging to do the right thing" in acknowledging Harry's milestone birthday.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Dublin on July 11, 2018
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Meanwhile, sources told PEOPLE in July that Harry's attempts to connect with his father and brother through calls, texts, and letters have gone unanswered.
The rift with Prince William was described as "very bad" but not "irreparable".
The brothers last appeared together publicly after Queen Elizabeth's death in September 2022, when they met mourners outside Windsor Castle with their wives.
The pair attended the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes however eyewitnesses said the pair did not speak to each other.
One source said how they only saw them at the end of the service at St Mary’s Church, adding: "I didn’t know they were there. They arrived very discreetly."
Another local said: "William and Harry were both there but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance."
