Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is poised to celebrate her 38th birthday amidst whispers of a traditional tea party hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle, the monarch’s cherished Scottish retreat. While Buckingham Palace has remained tight-lipped on the specifics, opting not to comment on private matters, the possibility of such an event highlights the evolving bond between the Queen and the Duchess.
Traditionally, royal couples often visit Balmoral to spend time with the Queen during the summer months. Whether this occasion translates into a formal tea party for Meghan’s birthday or a more informal gathering over tea, the gesture underscores the unique place Meghan holds within the royal family. This apparent closeness has been evident in their joint engagements and intimate moments, such as the introduction of Archie, Harry and Meghan’s son, to the Queen and Prince Philip.
Meghan Markle and Queen Elizabeth during their first joint engagement in 2018.
This year’s birthday celebration will be a departure from Meghan’s 37th, which coincided with the wedding of a close friend of Prince Harry’s. Yet, it might not surpass the memory of her 36th, spent alongside Harry in Botswana, engaging in elephant conservation efforts.
Beyond the anticipated festivities, Meghan’s 38th birthday coincides with another milestone: her guest-editorship of British Vogue’s September issue, a groundbreaking achievement for a royal. Unlike her predecessors, the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Diana, Meghan chose not to grace the cover herself. Instead, she opted to feature women she admires as “forces for change,” including former First Lady Michelle Obama, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and actress Jane Fonda.
The September issue of British Vogue guest-edited by Meghan Markle.
In a personal note accompanying the issue, the Duchess revealed that she summoned the courage to propose the idea over text messages and quietly rejoiced on her sofa when the editor-in-chief gave her the green light. While the response to her guest-editorship has been largely positive, with many praising her for using her platform to amplify important voices, some have questioned the suitability of a high-end fashion magazine as a platform for promoting inclusivity.
Regardless of differing opinions, the September issue of British Vogue stands as a testament to Meghan’s commitment to social change and her evolving role within the public sphere. As she celebrates her 38th birthday, the Duchess of Sussex finds herself at a fascinating intersection of tradition and modernity, gracefully navigating the expectations of royalty while forging her own path as a global icon.
