Prince Harry celebrated his 38th birthday yesterday with his wife Meghan at Frogmore Cottage, but the occasion was marred by the absence of senior royals.
While the King and Queen consort were at their country homes, the Prince and Princess of Wales were at Sandringham and staying at Amner Hall in Norfolk.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex were off to Manchester, and Princess Anne was in Glasgow.
This notable absence raises questions about the state of the royal family and their relationship with Harry.
It is telling that the senior royals chose to spend the day away from Harry instead of coming together to heal and celebrate his birthday.
This further indicates the strained relationship between Harry and the rest of the family, suggesting that they may be out of favor or unwelcome.
The decision to keep the celebrations low-key, out of respect for Her Majesty, adds to the somber atmosphere surrounding Harry’s birthday.
Although it remains unknown how Harry marked his special day, royal expert Jenny Bond, former BBC royal correspondent, predicts that any celebrations would be muted.
She empathizes with Harry, acknowledging the painful memories his birthday brings.
Twenty-five years ago, Harry turned 13 just weeks after the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana.
Bond states, “You have to feel for Harry, though you really do.
I’m sure it will just be a very quiet day.”
However, Prince William, during a walkabout at the Sandringham estate, assured the crowds that he had not forgotten his brother’s birthday.
When asked if he had forgotten, William laughed and said, “No, I’ve not forgotten.”
This small gesture hints at a possible reconciliation between the brothers amidst the ongoing tensions within the royal family.
Royal expert Eric Schiffer believes that Harry’s grandmother’s death will force him to reflect on the challenges he and Meghan created for Her Majesty.
Schiffer suggests that Harry will revisit the decisions they made, which led to a great deal of aggravation for the Queen.
The timing of his birthday, coinciding with the anniversary of his mother’s passing, adds an additional layer of emotional complexity.
Last year, Prince Harry celebrated his 37th birthday in the US, and it was marked by the Queen’s final message to her beloved grandson.
The royal family’s social media account shared a series of photos of Prince Harry, accompanied by a birthday message.
This year, however, reports have emerged that Harry and Meghan declined an invitation from the Queen to visit her and other royals at Balmoral shortly before Her Majesty’s passing.
This rejection may weigh heavily on Harry during this particularly somber birthday.
Amidst these tensions, it is believed that William and Harry sat down for a dinner together after receiving the Queen’s coffin at Buckingham Palace earlier this week.
Despite their reported estrangement since Harry’s departure from the royal family, the brothers, along with Kate and Meghan, came together for a family meal.
The following day, Harry joined William as they walked behind the Queen’s coffin in a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.
Observers noted the visible discomfort between the brothers, likely reminded of their mother’s funeral.
Royal fans expressed their sympathy for the princes, acknowledging the emotional toll this period must be taking on them.
One fan wrote on Twitter, “Poor Prince Harry and poor William.
What memories this must be bringing back for them.”
Another simply added, “Heartbreaking to watch.
Poor William and Harry, this must be triggering for them.”
As Prince Harry enters a new year of his life, the strained dynamics within the royal family continue to cast a shadow over his celebrations.
The absence of senior royals, the rejection of invitations, and the emotional weight of past traumas all contribute to the complexity of his birthday.