As the Princess of Wales prepares to celebrate her 44th birthday on Thursday, 9th January, speculation is rife over whether the Duchess of Sussex will publicly acknowledge the occasion. According to the latest odds from AceOdds, the chance of a public social media post from Meghan Markle is rated at just 1/2, suggesting any well-wishes are far more likely to be exchanged away from the public gaze.
Behind Closed Doors: The Expert's Insight
Former royal butler Grant Harrold, who served King Charles between 2004 and 2011, has weighed in on the delicate situation. He believes that while a public olive branch is improbable, private communications are almost certain to take place.
Harrold explained that the royal family's use of official social media accounts to mark birthdays has evolved. "The King, Queen, Kate and William now only post about senior, working royals," he stated, noting this policy excludes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle since they stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the United States.
A Potential Olive Branch on Social Media?
The former butler did highlight one potential shift: Meghan's recent return to social media. "This could be the opportunity for an olive branch," Harrold suggested. A public post would send a powerful signal to the world, but he considers it unlikely at this stage.
"If they were to put something out publicly, everybody around the world would be saying, ‘Oh wow, they are speaking again,’" he told AceOdds. "At the moment, while whatever is going on is still happening behind closed doors, I think it is unlikely that we will see any kind of public message right now."
Private Wishes Expected Despite Public Silence
Harrold is, however, confident that the occasion will not pass unmarked in private. He anticipates birthday wishes will be conveyed via phone calls, video chats, cards, or even gifts.
"From what I understand and from what is going on, relations are at a point where privately there will be birthday wishes issued, but I doubt we will get anything publicly," he concluded. This analysis comes amidst growing rumours of a gradual thaw in relations between the Sussexes and the wider Royal Family, though any significant reconciliation appears to remain a private, behind-the-scenes process for now.
