Why Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Haven’t Posted a Birthday Tribute to the Queen While Kate and William Did

April 21, 2020 at 02:05PM

The Queen is celebrating her 94th birthday today in quarantine—and with less pomp and circumstance than in most years because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But one half of the former royal Fab Four has already acknowledged the Queen’s birthday on Instagram. Prince William and Kate Middleton shared their birthday tribute post to Queen Elizabeth II early this morning. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry haven’t shared anything on social media yet, but that is likely because the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not unveiled their new social media accounts yet. They have no active account to share it on.

Meghan and Harry shared their final post on their SussexRoyal account—the account they used as working royals—on March 30. Their transition out of their senior royal family roles formally began April 1. “While you may not see us here, the work continues,” they wrote in their goodbye message. “Thank you to this community—for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world. We look forward to reconnecting with you soon. You’ve been great!”

Part of the reason they can’t use SussexRoyal is because of the word “royal” in it. As their team explained on their transition Q&A site, they will no longer use the word “royal” in their branding.

“While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organization, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organization will not utilize the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any other iteration of ‘Royal,’” the team wrote. “While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of the word ‘Royal’ in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.”

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Last year, the couple shared a heartfelt tribute to the Queen on their SussexRoyal account. They wrote, “Happy Birthday Your Majesty, Ma’am, Granny. Wishing you the most wonderful day! ?Harry & Meghan.”

Kate and William followed Meghan and Harry’s tradition of using emojis for birthday tributes on Instagram this morning. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge added a cake and balloon emoji, writing, “Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 94th birthday today! ??.” They shared a photo of themselves with the Queen last year.

Author | Elle

Selected by CWC