On July 17, 2025, Queen Camilla celebrated her 78th birthday, an occasion marked by a new official portrait released by Buckingham Palace and warm tributes from the Prince and Princess of Wales. However, the day also drew significant attention due to a cryptic Instagram post by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, which many speculate was directed at her stepmother-in-law. The post, shared on the eve of Camilla’s milestone birthday, has ignited discussions among royal watchers, with some interpreting it as a subtle olive branch amid the well-documented tensions between the Sussexes and the British royal family. This article explores the context, content, and implications of Meghan’s message, delving into the dynamics of her relationship with Queen Camilla and the broader royal family.
The Cryptic Message: A Closer Look
Meghan Markle, who resides in Montecito, California, with her husband Prince Harry and their two children, took to her Instagram Stories to share a carefully curated video. The footage showcased a wooden crate containing three bottles of her newly launched As Ever rosé wine, artfully arranged with decorative straw, fresh flowers, and fruit. Accompanying the video was a caption that read, “Sending birthday love – (both near and far) to my ladies,” followed by a white heart emoji. While Meghan did not explicitly name the recipients of her “birthday love,” the timing of the post—just hours before Queen Camilla’s 78th birthday—prompted widespread speculation that Camilla was among the intended recipients.
The As Ever brand, a reimagined version of Meghan’s earlier American Riviera Orchard label, has been a focal point of her entrepreneurial ventures since its launch in early 2025. The brand, which includes products like jams, honey, and now rosé wine, reflects Meghan’s pivot toward a lifestyle-focused business. The Instagram post, while promotional in nature, carried a personal tone, leading fans to interpret it as a gesture of goodwill. Some royal enthusiasts suggested that the inclusion of “near and far” could refer to Meghan’s close friends in California (“near”) and Camilla, who resides in the United Kingdom (“far”).
The timing of the post added fuel to the speculation. Buckingham Palace marked Camilla’s birthday with a new portrait photographed by Chris Jackson at her private Wiltshire residence, Ray Mill. The image depicted Camilla smiling in front of a wildflower meadow, exuding warmth and tranquility. The release of this portrait coincided with Meghan’s post, drawing parallels between the two women’s public activities on the same day. Additionally, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a public tribute to Camilla on their Instagram Stories, writing, “Happy Birthday to Her Majesty!” with a cake emoji, further highlighting the significance of the occasion.
A Strained Relationship: The Sussexes and the Royal Family
To understand the significance of Meghan’s post, it is essential to contextualize the strained relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family. Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in January 2020, relocating to the United States shortly thereafter. Their departure, often referred to as “Megxit,” was followed by a series of public revelations that deepened the rift with the royal family. These included their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan (2022), and Harry’s memoir Spare (2023), in which he made pointed criticisms of several family members, including Queen Camilla.
In Spare, Harry described Camilla as “dangerous” and a “villain,” accusing her of sacrificing him for her own public relations agenda. He also referenced her as the “wicked stepmother,” a characterization that reportedly caused significant distress within the royal family. These remarks have contributed to an ongoing estrangement, with Harry and Meghan rarely appearing publicly with other royals since the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Their relationship with Camilla, in particular, has been described as fraught, with limited interaction in recent years.
Despite these tensions, there have been occasional hints of potential reconciliation. Meghan’s cryptic post is not the first instance where she has been perceived as extending an olive branch. Reports suggest that she once sought Camilla’s advice on handling negative press, indicating a past willingness to connect. The timing of her latest post, coupled with its warm tone, has led some to speculate that it could signal a desire to mend fences, especially as discussions of royal succession and family dynamics intensify.
Public and Media Reactions
The public response to Meghan’s post was mixed, reflecting the polarized views surrounding her and Harry’s relationship with the royal family. On platforms like X, fans of the Sussexes celebrated the post as a classy and subtle gesture, with many expressing hope for reconciliation. Comments included heart emojis and messages toasting the possibility of “détente” between the two sides. Others, however, were skeptical, viewing the post as a strategic move to promote Meghan’s As Ever brand rather than a genuine birthday wish for Camilla. Critics pointed out that the lack of explicit mention of Camilla’s name left the message open to interpretation, potentially serving as a publicity stunt rather than a heartfelt gesture.
Media outlets were quick to pick up on the story, with headlines ranging from cautious optimism to outright skepticism. The Daily Record described the post as a “cryptic message” that “led some to believe it may be directed at Camilla.” Cosmopolitan speculated that Meghan was sending an “olive branch birthday gift,” while the Daily Mail noted the “heartwarming” nature of the post but highlighted its ambiguity. The Times of India emphasized the personal nature of the gift, pointing out that As Ever’s rosé bottles sell out quickly online, suggesting that the gesture was more than just promotional. Meanwhile, GB News framed the post as a “mysterious message” sent hours before Camilla’s birthday celebrations, underscoring the ongoing intrigue surrounding the Sussexes’ intentions.
Royal commentators also weighed in. Former royal butler Paul Burrell cautioned against underestimating Meghan, describing her As Ever brand as the beginning of a larger “empire” that could expand into fashion, jewelry, and even perfume. Others, like former Sun royal correspondent Charles Rae, suggested that Meghan remains a significant obstacle to Harry’s reconciliation with the royal family, labeling her the “fly in the ointment.” These contrasting perspectives highlight the complexity of interpreting Meghan’s actions within the context of royal family dynamics.
Camilla’s Birthday: A Quiet Celebration
While Meghan’s post generated significant buzz, Queen Camilla’s birthday was marked with a more subdued, private celebration. Unlike the previous year, when she attended the State Opening of Parliament alongside King Charles III, Camilla spent her 78th birthday at her Ray Mill residence in Wiltshire. The new portrait released by Buckingham Palace captured her in a relaxed setting, leaning against a fence in a field of tall grass under bright summer sunshine. Another photograph, also taken by Chris Jackson, showed Camilla reading The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny in her garden, emphasizing her love for literature and her role as patron of literacy initiatives.
The royal family’s official Instagram account expressed gratitude for the “wonderful well wishes” received on Camilla’s birthday, while the Prince and Princess of Wales’ public tribute added to the warm sentiments. King Charles, known for spoiling Camilla on her special day, was expected to celebrate privately with her, possibly joined by close family and friends. A former royal staffer noted that Camilla enjoys low-key celebrations, often centered around her passions for gardening, animals, and reading.
Broader Implications: A Step Toward Reconciliation?
Meghan’s cryptic message arrives at a time when speculation about the Sussexes’ relationship with the royal family is at a high. Recent reports have suggested that Harry may be seeking a “backdoor” return to royal life, with some insiders claiming that the couple is strategically positioning themselves to influence the monarchy’s future. These claims, however, remain speculative and lack concrete evidence. The timing of Meghan’s post, coupled with her choice to highlight a personal gift like the As Ever rosé, suggests a deliberate attempt to project goodwill without making an overt commitment to reconciliation.
The gesture also aligns with Meghan’s broader strategy of rebranding herself as a lifestyle entrepreneur. By sharing images of her rosé wine in a beautifully curated crate, she not only promotes her brand but also positions herself as a gracious figure capable of extending kindness, even to those with whom she has a complicated history. Whether the post was genuinely intended for Camilla or simply a well-timed marketing move, it has succeeded in keeping Meghan in the headlines and reinforcing her public persona.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s cryptic birthday message, posted on the eve of Queen Camilla’s 78th birthday, has sparked a flurry of speculation about its true intent. For some, it represents a subtle olive branch, a gesture of goodwill amid a strained family dynamic. For others, it is a calculated move to promote her As Ever brand while capitalizing on the royal family’s spotlight. Regardless of the motivation, the post underscores the enduring fascination with the Sussexes and their complex relationship with the British monarchy. As Camilla enjoys her milestone birthday and Meghan continues to build her empire in California, the world watches closely for any signs of reconciliation—or further intrigue—in this ongoing royal saga.
