Meghan Fails to Steal Kate’s Thunder as Queen Honors Middleton’s Birthday with Rare Privileges

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is set to celebrate her 40th birthday this weekend in a low-key manner, according to royal expert Ingrid Seward.

However, there are rumors that a larger celebration will take place later in the year alongside Prince William.

This milestone birthday marks a pivotal moment in Kate's life and for the monarchy as well, as she takes on a more central role within the family while the Queen reduces her duties.

It is expected that all eyes will be on the birthday girl in the coming weeks, but insiders fear that the spotlight could be stolen by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a history of dropping bombshells at the most inconvenient times, diverting attention away from the royal family.

While there is no suggestion that they do it intentionally, there have been several coincidences over the years when it comes to ill-timed photo-ops and revelations.

As Kate celebrates her special day surrounded by family and friends, there is concern among palace insiders that a Sussex-shaped cloud may appear and cast a shadow over the celebrations.

Despite the potential overshadowing, there is hope for a grand birthday party for Kate, possibly organized by the Queen herself.

Royal author Ingrid Seward is confident that the monarch will eventually throw a lavish bash for Kate, potentially a joint celebration with Prince William, who also turns 40 in June after the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Seward stated, “I think it will be low-key this weekend, and then later in the year, probably after the Platinum Jubilee celebrations are over, she and William, whose birthday is on June 21st, will have a joint party and really celebrate then.

I'm absolutely certain the Queen will throw a bash for them.”

However, amidst the celebrations, there is one honor that Kate will seemingly miss out on this Sunday.

Due to cost-cutting measures, she will not hear the traditional chimes of Westminster Abbey ringing in celebration of her 40th birthday.

Previously, senior royals, including Kate and Camilla, would hear the bells on their birthdays.

However, this practice was halted in April 2020 due to the pandemic, and changes were implemented when the bells resumed ringing in September 2021.

The same applies to the Cambridges and their three young children, as well as other senior royals such as Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Royal author Duncan Larcombe discussed Kate's upcoming birthday and highlighted the rift between Prince William and Prince Harry.

He mentioned that in the past, Harry would have played a significant role in any celebrations for Kate's milestone birthday.

However, those days are long gone, and Larcombe stated, “It will be very interesting to see what messages Harry and Meghan send Kate.

This is the problem, as the rift continues, as the war between the boys seems to show no sign of finishing.

Days like Kate's 40th birthday milestone immediately become events that can be contrasted with how it used to be.

Kate was, as Harry said, the sister he never had, and clearly, that is not the case anymore.

There was a time when Harry would have been instrumental in any celebrations or any fun that the couple were having, but those days are long in the past.”

As Kate turns 40 this Sunday, it is expected that she will celebrate the day privately with Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle now reside in California after stepping back from their royal duties.

The Cambridges spent Christmas at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, and it remains to be seen how they will mark this significant milestone in Kate's life.