Meghan Markle‘s lavish £300k baby shower backlash ‘means she’ll have a low-key birthday celebration at Frogmore Cottage’
MEGHAN Markle will turn 38 on Sunday and is set to have a “low-key birthday celebration at Frogmore Cottage”, according to an insider.
The royal source said the Duchess of Sussex will not want anything extravagant after the “PR disaster” following her opulent £300,000 baby shower in New York.
The source told Fabulous Digital that Meghan will avoid partying with pals Amal and George Clooney, and said: “Frogmore Cottage will host a celebration for Meghan's birthday.
“The Clooney clan will be in Villa Oleandra on Lake Como and the Sussexes will not want to be seen enjoying more of their lavish hospitality after the PR disaster backlash post the US baby shower.”
Meghan came under fire earlier this year after she flew on a private jet, stayed in the most expensive suite in New York and had a host of A-list pals attend her baby shower.
No expense was spared, and the royal mother-to-be was criticised for acting more like a glamorous superstar than the wife of an heir to the throne.
In the wake of an alleged feud between the Fab Four – following the split of the royal households and foundation – the source added that Meghan may not invite Kate Middleton to her birthday.
The insider said: “It is unlikely that the Cambridges will be invited to Meghan's 38th birthday on Sunday.”
Meghan and Prince Harry are said to have been absent from Kate’s 37th party celebrations which took place at her plush Norfolk pile Anmer Hall near Sandringham in January.
When Meghan turned 37 last summer, she spent the day celebrating the wedding of Prince Harry's close childhood friend Charlie van Straubenzee and his bride Daisy Jenks in Surrey.
The Duke of Sussex was reportedly the best man at the ceremony, and Meghan was spotted leaving the event hand-in-hand with her husband.
Speaking of Meghan’s summer plans, the source said: “Meghan is keen to visit the US with Harry and son Archie this summer before they head to Africa in the autumn.
“August is the ideal time to take this trip before they also head to Balmoral to join the Queen and Prince Charles.”
If a trip across the pond does take place, the insider said Meghan is unlikely to visit her estranged father Thomas Markle, who she hasn’t been in regular contact with for months.
They said: “There will not be a rapprochement twixt Thomas and Meghan, that ship has sailed.”
Prince Harry reportedly has been abroad this week in Sicily, where he gave a speech at a Google climate retreat, so it’s unsure when he is returning to kick off celebrations.
The Duke of Sussex, 34, showed up at the super-secret three-day event to give an impassioned lecture about saving nature to a crowd of VIPs and power brokers, it's claimed.
Meanwhile, Prince William, Kate, and their three kids, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, have just returned from a luxury family holiday to Mustique.
The source said: “The Cambridges like to enjoy low-key family holidays on the beaches in Norfolk.
“And a Middleton family break in Bucklebury is on the cards for August.
“Pippa, husband James and son Arthur will be there at the same time, so family farm trips, tennis, pond dipping, riding, swimming, exercise and dog walking will feature.”
The insider also added that the Middletons are to head to Balmoral in August, and will also visit Glen Affric Lodge to see James Middleton, who is now working as a tour guide at the Scottish hotel.
It is understood that Meghan, Harry and Archie will also travel to Balmoral where they will be given their own wing, as well as enjoying a traditional afternoon tea with Her Maj.
MORE ON THE ROYAL FAMILY
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry ‘made a mistake splitting from Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Royal Foundation’ despite rift rumours, royal expert claims.
In other royal news we told you how Meghan and Harry have been slammed by royal trolls for having “no respect” for Prince George in their birthday wishes.
Meanwhile Meghan and Harry shouldn’t be “frightened” about Archie being photographed, according to a royal commentator.