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Meghan Markle's birthday snub for Princess Catherine was a 'deliberate' and a 'power play'
Reach Daily Express | January 26, 2026 1:39 PM CST

Prince Harry has attempted to restore his standing within the Royal Family following his prominent dispute, after his exit from working Royal duties in 2020.

The divide, which deepened when he discussed the family tensions with his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William, in a Netflix series, alongside Harry's autobiography Spare, could be healing. In 2025, the Duke of Sussex, 41, disclosed in an interview that he wished to rebuild relations with his father, even making several trips to the UK to repair their bond.

Currently, Harry's relationship status with his elder brother, Prince William, 43, remains unclear. Nevertheless, there's speculation that Harry's spouse, Meghan Markle, could be attempting to reconcile with the Princess of Wales.

Recently, Prince William's wife, Princess Catherine, marked her birthday, and to commemorate the milestone, she posted a "deeply personal" video on Instagram sharing her gratitude for the natural environment.

Whilst the Royal Family typically acknowledges birthdays through social media, many observed that neither Harry nor Meghan extended birthday greetings to the Princess.

Certain sources told ShuterScoop that the Sussexes' failure to publicly wish Princess Catherine well on her birthday was "deliberate" and calculated. "They're making it clear they're done. It's a line in the sand," one Royal insider alleged to the publication.

Meanwhile, another insider predicted, "The Sussexes are still railing in the media, but Kate? She's calm, grounded, moving forward. It's a quiet power play."

Amongst the sources who interpreted the gesture as a calculated "power play" was an insider who offered a contrasting perspective.

The insider suggested that the Hollywood actress simply "wanted Catherine to have space," observing, "This isn't spite - it's respect for what she's going through."

Catherine's birthday video celebrated Mother Nature, acknowledging its restorative influence which profoundly impacted her following her early 2024 cancer diagnosis.

"Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration. Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection.

"To discover the deepest parts of ourselves.

"Alongside the whispers in the pulse of every living thing. I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am," she stated.

Catherine added, "For the rivers within us flow with ease, fears washed away, cleanse and purify.

"Come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive.

"To be at one with nature; a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory. Helping us to heal."


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