Meghan Markle and Prince Harry snubbed the royals on Princess Lilibet's third birthday on Tuesday, June 4, for reasons different than past snubs.
"Given the tensions between the royal family and Harry and Meghan, it's not surprising that they chose to celebrate Princess Lilibet's birthday privately with their own close circle of friends and family," royal expert Louella Alderson told an outlet.
"Their decision to exclude the royal family from the celebration could suggest that there is still unresolved tension or distance between them," she added. "It's also possible that Harry and Meghan wanted to have a more intimate and personal celebration for their daughter's first birthday without any outside interference or potential drama."
The commentator further pointed out how Harry and Meghan likely wanted a press-free, laid-back vibe for the toddler princess' big day. "They may have felt that celebrating with just their closest loved ones would create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved," she stated.
In a bleak but inescapable fact, Alderson observed how it seems like nothing at all can repair the rift between the two warring sides. "It seems that the relationships between Harry and Meghan and the royal family are still strained," she said. "Princess Kate and King Charles’ illnesses don’t seem to have opened any communication channels as of yet."
Lilibet Diana lives with her parents, along with her 5-year-old brother, Prince Archie, in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex' Montecito, Calif., mansion. Not much is known about the toddler, as Harry and Meghan have so far released less than a handful of pictures and blurry, concealed images of the princess. Unlike her British-born brother, Lilibet Diana came into the world and was raised in the United States.
No further details of the party were released, except for reports reflecting that Sussex neighbors Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry were in attendance. No members of the British royal family or the estranged Markle household were present.
Prince Archie turned five on May 6, and Charles III is said to be "desperate" to have a relationship with his California grandchildren.
The head of state is also said to be upset with his estranged son and daughter-in-law since they keep insisting he speak to his grandkids via video, which he dislikes. "Charles been asking about video calling, but according to his aides, he’s uncomfortable with the idea," author Tom Quinn pointed out. "If he makes an ordinary telephone call to Harry, it means he can have a quick word with Archie without the need to talk to Meghan, a prospect that fills him with dread."
Daily Mirror reported on Alderson's remarks.