Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have come under fire for reportedly failing to acknowledge Kate Middleton’s 44th birthday on January 9, 2026, with sources describing the omission as a “deliberate” act that underscores the deepening divide within the British royal family. The Princess of Wales, who has been gradually returning to public duties following her cancer diagnosis and remission last year, celebrated the milestone with a reflective social media video, but received no public or apparent private well-wishes from her brother-in-law and his wife. Conflicting reports have emerged, with some insiders claiming the silence was intentional—”a line in the sand”—while others suggest it was a respectful decision to give Kate space during her recovery.

The controversy erupted shortly after Kate’s birthday, with royal watchers noting the absence of any gesture from the Sussexes, who reside in Montecito, California. Traditionally, members of the royal family exchange public birthday tributes via social media or official statements, a practice that has become a barometer for familial relations. King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the public acknowledgments, posting a warm message on the royal family’s official accounts: “Wishing The Princess of Wales a very happy birthday today!” accompanied by a photo from Kate’s recent engagements. Prince William, Kate’s husband, shared a personal tribute on their joint Instagram, featuring a candid family snapshot and a heartfelt caption about her strength. However, Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation website and personal social channels remained silent on the matter, fueling speculation.

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An anonymous source speaking to journalist Rob Shuter for his Substack newsletter claimed the snub was calculated. “They didn’t say a peep. It’s deliberate. They’re making it clear they’re done. It’s a line in the sand,” the insider alleged, suggesting the decision marked a definitive break from attempts at reconciliation. This narrative aligns with reports from outlets like OK! Magazine and AOL, which described the omission as a pointed message amid the ongoing royal rift. The source emphasized that Harry and Meghan’s choice was not born of spite but rather a firm stance on their independence from the monarchy’s expectations.

Countering this, a source close to the Sussexes told Cosmopolitan and Yahoo that the decision stemmed from respect for Kate’s privacy and recovery process. “They really wanted Catherine to have space,” the insider said. “This isn’t spite—it’s respect for what she’s going through.” This perspective portrays the silence as considerate rather than confrontational, acknowledging Kate’s challenging year. Kate herself marked the day with a “deeply personal” Instagram video, reflecting on her health journey and expressing gratitude for nature’s healing power. “Focusing on joy” was a key theme, as she shared footage of family walks and serene landscapes, signaling her positive outlook post-remission.

Kate Middleton, born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton on January 9, 1982, in Reading, England, grew up in a middle-class family in Bucklebury, Berkshire. Her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, ran a successful party supplies business, Party Pieces, which provided a comfortable upbringing for Kate and her siblings, Pippa and James. Kate attended Marlborough College, where she excelled in sports and academics, before enrolling at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2001. It was there she met Prince William, then second in line to the throne, sparking a romance that would captivate the world. After a brief split in 2007, they reconciled and announced their engagement in 2010, with William proposing using his late mother Princess Diana’s sapphire ring.

Their wedding on April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey was a global spectacle, watched by an estimated 2 billion people. As the Duchess of Cambridge (now Princess of Wales), Kate quickly became a fashion icon and advocate for causes like mental health, early childhood development, and the arts. She launched initiatives such as Heads Together in 2016 and the Shaping Us campaign in 2023, focusing on the importance of the first five years of life. Kate and William have three children: Prince George (born 2013), Princess Charlotte (2015), and Prince Louis (2018), who have been shielded from excessive media scrutiny while occasionally appearing in public.

The royal rift with Harry and Meghan dates back to 2018, when tensions reportedly arose over palace dynamics, media scrutiny, and differing visions for their roles. Harry, born September 15, 1984, and Meghan, born August 4, 1981, married in May 2018 at Windsor Castle in a ceremony blending British tradition with American flair. Meghan, a former actress known for her role in “Suits,” brought a fresh perspective to the monarchy but faced intense tabloid backlash, which Harry has publicly blamed for exacerbating family strains. In January 2020, the couple announced their decision to step back as senior royals, citing unsustainable media pressure—a move dubbed “Megxit.” They relocated to California, founding the Archewell Foundation and signing deals with Netflix and Spotify.

The divide widened with Harry’s 2023 memoir “Spare,” where he detailed alleged conflicts, including a physical altercation with William and claims that Kate made Meghan cry over a bridesmaid dress dispute. Meghan’s 2021 Oprah interview revealed experiences of racism and suicidal thoughts during her time in the palace. Public birthday acknowledgments became symbolic battlegrounds: In 2025, Harry and Meghan reportedly sent private wishes for Kate’s 43rd birthday but skipped public ones, a pattern repeating in 2026. Past incidents include the Sussexes’ 2020 announcement of stepping down, timed just before Kate’s 38th birthday, and their Netflix docuseries trailer release coinciding with her 2022 Earthshot Prize event, seen by some as attempts to overshadow her.

Kate’s 2025 was marked by health challenges. In January, she underwent planned abdominal surgery, later revealing in March that cancer had been detected, leading to preventive chemotherapy. She stepped back from duties, focusing on family at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. By September, Kate announced she was cancer-free, resuming engagements like a surprise hospital visit with William on January 8, 2026, to thank NHS staff.

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Her birthday video emphasized resilience, stating, “After the darkest of times, focusing on joy has been my guiding light.”

Harry and Meghan’s 2026 has been quieter, with Archewell initiatives on mental health and media literacy. Harry attended the WellChild Awards in London solo in September 2025, but no family reunions occurred. Sources indicate minimal contact between the brothers, with William prioritizing his father’s health—King Charles also battled cancer in 2025—and his own duties. Meghan debuted a new “halo” hairstyle in early 2026, signaling a fresh start, while the couple faced criticism over their “substantially weakened” position in Hollywood.

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Social media reactions to the alleged snub were mixed. On X, posts like one from freelance journalist Welbert Bauyaban highlighted the “deepening royal rift,” linking to an International Business Times article. Threads and YouTube videos amplified the drama, with titles like “Kate Middleton REPORTEDLY UPSET,” though no confirmation from Kensington Palace. Some fans defended the Sussexes, citing privacy, while others decried it as petty.

Royal experts remain divided. Hilary Fordwich told Fox News the silence “speaks volumes,” potentially hindering reconciliation efforts. Others, like those in Marie Claire UK, frame it as a sign of maturity, allowing Kate to heal without added pressure. Not all snubs were from California—Princess Eugenie also skipped a public tribute, sparking separate speculation.

As 2026 progresses, the royal family faces scrutiny. William and Kate plan Scottish engagements, while Harry promotes Invictus Games. Whether this birthday oversight leads to further estrangement or quiet diplomacy remains unclear. For now, it highlights the fragile state of relations, with public gestures—or their absence—serving as proxies for private wounds.

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