Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 16, 2025 · Entertainment

Meghan's Bouffant Birthday Snafu: Prince Harry's Retro Pic Sparks Royal Memes

The Duchess of Sussex marked Prince Harry's 41st birthday yesterday by sharing a photograph of him in 2015 via Instagram (pictured)

The Royal Ruckus Continues: Meghan Markle's Bizarre Birthday Tribute to Prince Harry

In a jaw-dropping move, Meghan Markle has left royal fans scratching their heads with a peculiar photo tribute to her husband, Prince Harry, on his 41st birthday. Instead of posting a recent picture of the dashing duke, she chose an old snap from 2015, when he was still sporting a rugged beard and had just broken up with actress Cressida Bonas.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been at the center of numerous controversies in recent months, but this latest move has sparked a fresh wave of gossip and speculation. Meghan's decision to post an image from a decade ago has raised eyebrows on social media, with many questioning her motives.

Meghan, who boasts over four million Instagram followers, captioned the post, 'Oh hi, Birthday Boy'

A Blast from the Past

The photograph, which dates back to Harry's 31st birthday when he participated in a Royal Air Force (RAF) flypast at Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex, shows him sporting a bushy beard and looking rather bemused. Meghan captioned the image with a simple "Oh hi, birthday boy" alongside a fire emoji, which some have interpreted as a veiled hint at her husband's previous romantic entanglements.

The Cressida Connection

According to sources close to the royal family, Harry had recently ended his relationship with Bonas when he participated in the RAF flypast. It was also reported that he spent the evening after the event with his ex-girlfriend and a group of friends at a Chelsea pub. This has led some to speculate that Meghan's decision to post an old picture is more than just a harmless tribute – it may be a hint at her lingering feelings for her husband's past romantic exploits.

Beard-gate: A Royal Feud

The photograph also holds significance due to the controversy surrounding Harry's beard in 2015. The Duke of Sussex had been granted permission by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, to keep his facial hair for his wedding to Meghan. However, this decision reportedly sparked a heated argument with his older brother, Prince William, who allegedly felt that his younger sibling was "putting the Queen in an uncomfortable position" by asking for special treatment.

In his memoir, Spare, Harry recounts the row and claims that William "became livid" when he discovered that the Queen had given her permission. The argument continued for over a week, with Harry eventually being told to shave off his beard. This incident has been cited as an example of the tension between the two brothers, which some have speculated may be linked to Meghan's decision to post an old picture.

A Marketing Stunt or a Personal Tribute?

Meghan's photo choice has also raised questions about her entrepreneurial ventures. The Duchess of Sussex is known for her love of marketing and branding, and it's possible that she chose this particular image as part of a calculated move to promote her $30 wine on Instagram. With the royal family in the midst of a difficult period, Meghan may be attempting to capitalize on the attention by sharing personal anecdotes and tributes.

The Return of Prince Harry

In other news, Prince Harry has returned to the UK for his 41st birthday after a four-day visit to the country. The Duke of Sussex was spotted being driven into Clarence House, where he met with his father, King Charles III, in an eagerly anticipated reunion. According to sources close to the royal family, Harry and Charles had a "warm and friendly" conversation during their meeting.

A Message of Reconciliation?

Harry's decision to meet with his father has been seen as a significant step towards reconciliation within the royal family. The Duke of Sussex has faced criticism for his recent interviews and tell-all book, Spare, which some have interpreted as an attempt to air "dirty laundry" in public. However, Harry has maintained that his goal is to promote accountability and transparency within the institution.

In a statement, Harry said: "You cannot have reconciliation before you have truth." This message has been seen as a veiled swipe at his brother, Prince William, who some believe may be holding onto grudges from past conflicts. With the royal family navigating choppy waters, Meghan's decision to post an old picture of her husband may be just the tip of the iceberg in this ongoing saga.

The Full Picture

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the British monarchy, one thing is clear: the Royal Family is never far from controversy and intrigue. From Meghan Markle's marketing stunts to Prince Harry's beard-gate, it seems that no stone has been left unturned in this ongoing drama. As the world watches with bated breath, only time will tell what other secrets and surprises await us in the world of royal gossip.

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • (Original article cited)

Royal fans took to X to express their concern over Meghan's 'bizarre' photograph choice in her latest Instagram post

According to Harry's book Spare, Prince William wasn't permitted to keep his beard during his 2011 nuptials to Kate (pictured)

The father-of-two said he sought permission from the late Queen Elizabeth to wear his beard to his wedding (pictured)