The world of royal watchers and celebrity commentators is never short on opinions, especially when it comes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Recently, a seemingly innocuous birthday post from Meghan to Harry sparked a flurry of discussion, with some suggesting it inadvertently highlighted a contrast between Harry's life before and after their relationship.
The photograph in question, posted on Instagram to mark Harry's birthday, was taken back in September 2015. The caption accompanying the image was a simple, "Oh hi, Birthday Boy." The snapshot itself showed Harry at an RAF flypast at Goodwood Aerodrome.
What makes this particular photo choice interesting is the timing. It was taken shortly after Harry had left the military that summer and, significantly, before he had met Meghan Markle, the former actress known for her role in the television series "Suits."
Ingrid Seward, a renowned royal biographer, weighed in on the photo choice, describing it as "odd" yet likely "calculated." In her assessment, shared with The Sun, Seward suggested that Meghan might have selected the picture because it showcased Harry at what she perceived as his most appealing.
According to Seward, the photo captures Harry in a "masculine," "young," and "macho" light, a portrayal that Meghan may particularly admire. The royal expert further speculated that it could even be one of Meghan's favorite pictures of Harry, as he appears to be free from the burdens of responsibility and "too many cares."
Seward noted the unusual nature of choosing a pre-relationship photo, suggesting that a picture from when they met or even a photo of them together might have been more expected. However, she emphasized that Meghan's actions are often carefully considered.
The timing of the post also coincided with Harry's four-day trip to the UK, where he was involved in Invictus Games-related activities. The Invictus Games, founded by Harry, is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick armed services personnel and veterans. Harry has long been a champion for veterans' causes, vowing to do "everything possible" to support their rehabilitation.
Seward theorized that Meghan's choice of the military-era photo could be connected to Harry's commitment to supporting veterans, potentially aiming to subtly highlight his dedication to this cause.
The brevity and informality of the caption, "Oh hi birthday boy," also drew comment. Seward characterized it as "very Meghan... very American, it's Californian," suggesting it reflects Meghan's personal style and background.
Some critics took a less charitable view, deeming the post "cringe-worthy," "immature," and suggesting it conveyed an impression of Meghan being overly adoring of Harry. These critics view Meghan's persona as carefully constructed, with Seward stating, "Meghan is an actress, and I don't think she ever stops acting."
Seward elaborated on this perception, suggesting that Meghan often strives too hard to appear relatable. She also commented on what she perceives as an unnatural quality to Meghan's smile. "It's lovely to see someone smiling but there's something quite unnatural about Meghan's big smile."
The royal biographer argued that Meghan has a tendency to make things "slightly cringe-worthy," and that the carefully constructed nature of her photographs only reveals a single, less appealing side of her personality.
Seward went on to suggest that the birthday photo, despite featuring Harry, was ultimately "about Meghan," portraying her as fortunate to have such a "gorgeous man," a "prince," and the "son of a king."
While Harry and Meghan have shared glimpses of their children, Archie and Lilibet, the absence of the children in the birthday post also raised eyebrows. However, Seward attributed this to the Duchess's desire to protect their children's privacy, a decision she deemed "wise."
This birthday post followed another instance where Meghan's social media activity drew attention. She had previously posted a photo of two glasses of her American Riviera Orchard jam in the garden of their Montecito mansion, accompanied by the caption, "When your beau is back in town…"
While Harry's return to the UK involved both personal and professional commitments, it notably included a brief meeting with his father, King Charles, his first encounter in 19 months. The King reportedly flew back from Balmoral specifically to meet with Harry between official audiences.
During his UK visit, Harry also engaged with Ukrainian officials, including Minister for Veteran Affairs Natalia Kalmykova, discussing how the Invictus Games Foundation could better support wounded and sick personnel and veterans.
Simultaneously, the Sussexes' charitable foundation, Archewell, made a significant donation of £369,000 to support injured children in Gaza and Ukraine, assisting the World Health Organization with medical evacuations and funding prosthetics for seriously injured youths.
Amidst these philanthropic efforts, Harry also defended his controversial memoir, "Spare," asserting that his "conscience is clear." He stated that the book aimed to correct narratives already circulating and that it was not about revenge but about accountability.
Following his trip, a spokesperson for Harry conveyed his enjoyment of reconnecting with old friends and colleagues. He also expressed a desire to spend more time in the UK, hinting at the possibility of bringing his children, Archie and Lilibet, on future visits.
Adding another layer to the Sussexes' public presence, they recently appeared in a trailer for a new Disneyland film. The Duke and Duchess were seen smiling in the video, alongside other celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis and Neil Patrick Harris. The ABC News special, "The Happiest Story on Earth: 70 Years of Disneyland," aired on Sunday.
In the teaser video, Harry reminisced about Space Mountain being one of his favorite attractions, a sentiment echoed by Meghan. The program featured celebrities sharing their fondest Disneyland memories, highlighting the enduring appeal of the iconic theme park.