Meghan Could Extend an Olive Branch to Kate on Major Milestone — Are Private Talks Underway?
Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton were long at odds, with their relationship fully dissolving after the former left the royal family in 2020. Now, after years of giving each other the cold shoulder, Markle may finally be ready to extend an olive branch, signaling a thaw in their relationship. According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, the Duchess of Sussex may reach out to the Princess of Wales on her 44th birthday on January 9, though she might refrain from doing so publicly to avoid online chatter.
As per the Royal Insider, Harrold revealed that members of the royal family often wish their family on social media, but that wouldn't be the case with Markle. Speaking of her potential 'private' birthday wish to Middleton, he said, "Now that there is a rumor that relations are improving and that things are on the mend, it is possible that they could do that again, or they may not." He added, "It would send a very, very loud message if she [Markle] posted her birthday wishes online. If they were to put something out publicly, everybody around the world would be saying, 'Oh wow, they are speaking again.'"
However, Harrold was optimistic that Markle would extend her peace offering 'behind closed doors.' He continued, "I absolutely believe that privately there will be birthday wishes, whether that is a phone call, a video call, birthday cards being sent, and possibly even gifts." According to him, relations between the Duchess and the Princess had reached a point where birthday wishes might be exchanged privately.
Markle and Middleton last saw each other in September 2022, during Queen Elizabeth's funeral, having not met for over three years.
Harrold also detailed what King Charles would have in mind to mark Middleton's 44th birthday. He explained that the monarch usually hosts a grand private dinner, with this year being no exception. According to the Royal Insider, he shared, "The King would normally give a personal gift – something from his private collection of things that he likes to give people. It could also be something personal to do with his mother or grandmother. There's even a chance the gift could come from the Royal Collection. It also could be something more down-to-earth, like 'a bench or some roses for her garden.'"
As for Markle and Middleton, the two have not publicly acknowledged each other's birthdays, with one notable exception in 2022, when the Prince and Princess of Wales wished the Duchess of Sussex. In a post shared on their official X account, they wrote, "Wishing a happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex," alongside a photo of Markle from the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. With the recent positive update surrounding Prince Harry's UK security, royal fans remain hopeful that Middleton and Markle may one day be able to put their icy relationship to an end.