Royal Family birthday tradition that gave Kate Middleton chance for a dig at Prince Harry

Prince Archie, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, celebrates his fifth birthday today. However, according to royal expert Tom Quinn, it appears that he will not partake in the traditional royal birthday celebrations. Quinn, who has authored several books on the Royal Family, revealed to The Mirror that Archie seems to have been publicly snubbed, as the Royal Family did not post a birthday message for him on their social media accounts, a customary practice for royal family members.

Quinn further explained that while the Royal Family is not short on funds, they typically refrain from exchanging expensive gifts for birthdays. Instead, they engage in endearing traditions that do not necessarily involve lavish presents. Notably, Kate Middleton once gifted Prince Harry a humorous present for his birthday, showcasing the family’s penchant for lighthearted celebrations.

Despite the apparent lack of public acknowledgment from the Royal Family, Archie’s birthday marks a significant milestone in his young life, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the monarchy.

Regarding the matter of the family’s approach to gift-giving, Tom remarked in a formal manner: “Opting for extravagant presents would be an overly simplistic and purposeless endeavor, as each member of the family possesses ample financial resources to acquire any desired item.”

He further elucidated, “Instead, whenever an individual’s birthday arises, a spirited competition ensues to procure the most humorous and whimsical present – Kate likely holds the distinction for the most amusing gift bestowed.”

One of her notably amusing presents was gifted to her future brother-in-law, Prince Harry. Tom divulged, “A few years prior to his encounter with Meghan, Kate presented Harry with a ‘how to cultivate your own girlfriend’ kit.”

He added with a tinge of regret, “The enjoyment derived from exchanging inexpensive, amusing presents has consistently showcased the lighter side of the Royal Family, and it is lamentable that Archie shall not partake in this experience.”

The birth of Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, occurred on May 6, 2019, two years prior to the arrival of his younger sister, Princess Lilibet. Deviating from traditional royal protocol, Buckingham Palace announced the joyous occasion through a framed notice displayed on an easel, rather than an immediate photocall at the hospital steps.

Despite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to relinquish their roles as working royals in 2020, the palace extended birthday wishes to them until 2022, when it was reported that this practice would no longer be extended to non-working members of the royal family. At the time of Archie’s birth at Portland Hospital in London, the Duke of Sussex expressed his profound joy, describing the experience as “the most amazing I could ever have possibly imagined.”