Meghan Markle thanks Prince Harry for making 44th birthday ‘so special’ as she blows out her candles
Meghan Markle shared sweet words of thanks to her husband Prince Harry on Tuesday when she marked her 44th birthday on Instagram.
The actress-turned-royal, whose birthday was on Monday, shared a photo of herself with closed eyes as she blew out the candles on her birthday cake.
‘Blowing out the candles on a beautiful 24 hours, and thanking my husband, friends and family for making it so special,’ she captioned the celebratory post.
‘To those of you I don’t know, but who send love every day — thank you so much. Please know I feel it and appreciate it ❤️,’ she added.
The Duchess of Sussex shared the behind-the-scenes glimpse into her birthday celebrations after Pamela Anderson weighed in on claims that her cooking show With Love, Meghan bore eerie similarities to the Naked Gun star’s series Cooking With Love.
Meghan joked that she was going to ‘get a little foodie on’ her fans when she revealed that her party was held at the acclaimed restaurant Funke in Beverly Hills, which has became a popular spot for stars including Kim Kardashian, Michelle Obama, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez and Matt Damon, among many others.
Meghan Markle shared sweet words of thanks to her husband Prince Harry on Tuesday when she marked her 44th birthday on Instagram
‘Blowing out the candles on a beautiful 24 hours, and thanking my husband, friends and family for making it so special,’ she captioned the celebratory post; pictured with Harry in May 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria
The acclaimed restaurant is led by head chef and co-owner Evan Funke, who had previously opened Felix Trattoria in Los Angeles.
Since opening in January 2023, the restaurant has earned a coveted spot in the Michelin dining guide and was ranked at 25 on the 101 Best Restaurants in LA list by the Los Angeles Times.
In October, Funke served as the location for Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Skin launch party, where she was joined by her husband Justin Bieber.
A year earlier, Kim Kardashian brought her own birthday celebrations to Funke as she turned 43.
In Meghan’s caption, she praised Funke and his team for creating one of ‘the top five meals of my life.’
‘Extraordinary 🍝 Thank you for a standout dining experience,’ she gushed.
The Suits star was dressed in an elegant white ensemble decorated with rhinestones as she leaned forward to blow out her candles in her photo.
Her gorgeous cake appeared to have been frosted with meringue that was torched to a pleasant brown shade and decorated on top with flowers.
Meghan’s birthday celebrations were at the acclaimed Beverly Hills restaurant Funke, led by head chef and co-owner Evan Funke. Justin and Hailey Bieber took over the restaurant in October 2024 when she hosted her Rhode Skin launch party there
It’s also a favorite sport for the Kardashian–Jenner clan. Kim Kardashian celebrated her 43rd birthday there in October 2023; Khloé Kardashian is pictured poking fun her sister by wearing a mask Kim’s visage on it for her birthday at Funke
Earlier on Tuesday, Meghan shared a series of rare personal messages on social media after several of her closest friends from her ‘Montecito moms’ circle and her days as an actress on Suits were quick to share tributes for her birthday.
Close pals including Meghan’s costar in the legal drama Abigail Spencer, Kelly McKee Zajfen, Tracy Robbins, Jamie Kern Lima all took to Instagram on Monday to share gushing compliments, calling the Duchess ‘pure magic’ and describing her as ‘like sunshine in a bottle’.
And in a rare move from the Duchess, she commented on their posts in a mutual display of affection.
Meghan’s long-time pal Abigail was the first to share a tribute to the Duchess, calling her ‘Champagne in human form’ and a ‘sister in this life and beyond’.
As Abigail was also celebrating her birthday yesterday, Meghan fired back: ‘Thank you, sweet Abs! Right back at you, and happy birthday to YOU! 44/4’ – her comment referring to them both turning 44 on the fourth day of the month.
Kelly McKee Zajfen, a former model and co-founder of Alliance of Moms, has been friends with Meghan for many years after first meeting with the Duchess’s ex-husband, Trevor Engelson.
She shared an unseen black-and-white photograph of herself and the mother-of-two laughing together, while standing beside a fountain.
In the photo, Meghan was wearing a stylish chain print blend dress from Veronica Beard, retailing at $635.
Meghan Markle’s closest friends, including Jamie Kern Lima, pictured with the Duchess, have marked her 44th birthday with a series of gushing tributes shared to social media
Tracy Robbins shared a behind-the-scenes snap of her husband Brian and Meghan at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour
Kelly wrote: ‘Happy Birthday to you sweet M!!
‘You’re pure magic!! A force of fun, light, and so much love. Thank you for being the kind of friend who makes everything better (and way more fun). Here’s to the best trip around the ☀️ yet!
‘(This captures us perfectly! ✨✨) Love you so very much!’
Meghan replied: ‘Thank you!’, adding heart, cake and champagne emojis.
The Duchess also featured in several new photos shared by her close pal Tracy Robbins, who lives in Montecito and is married to Paramount boss Brian Robbins – with the couple occasionally going on double dates with Meghan and Prince Harry.
Tracy showed a very light-hearted and laidback side to Meghan, as they were seen giggling while enjoying cocktails together.
In one candid snap, Meghan couldn’t contain her laughter as some of the foam from her cocktail landed on her nose.
‘Happy birthday my dear @meghan Oh how I can laugh and dance with you like no other. You are sunshine in a bottle!’ Tracy gushed.
Tracy showed a very light-hearted and laid back side to Meghan, as they were seen giggling while enjoying cocktails together
Meghan’s make-up artist friend Daniel Martin shared a candid snap of the Duchess and her beagle Mia enjoying the sun in her Montecito garden
The Duchess shared rare personal comments to Instagram as she replied to the posts
‘Thank you for always making time to be such a loving and connected friend no matter what’s going on in your life. You dance through this life with so much grace, light and love!’
Referring to her husband Prince Harry, and children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, she added: ‘I hope your wee posse of 3 are smothering you with hugs and kisses today my dear! Happiest of birthdays M!’
Keeping it simple, Meghan commented a selection of pink and red heart emojis.
Tracy also shared a photo of Meghan and her husband Brian backstage at Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour – which they attended together in May at the SoFi stadium in California.
She added: ‘Happy birthday M! Brian and I adore you!’
Jamie Kern Lima, who hosted Meghan on her podcast earlier this year, shared on her story: ‘Happy Birthday @meghan thank you for being love, light and such a great friend to everyone who has the gift of truly knowing you!!!’
Seconds later, she shared another image, holding a rainbow fruit platter they had made behind the scenes of the podcast: ‘Happy Birthday @meghan Wonder had so much fun making this for you! Can’t wait to see what we learn on Season 2 of your show! Thank you for being love, light and such a generous friend to everyone you meet!’
Meghan’s make-up artist pal Daniel Martin, who helped get the Duchess ready for her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, meanwhile shared a sweet snap of Meghan and her beagle Mia in the garden of her Montecito mansion, simply writing ‘HBD sis!’
Jamie Kern Lima also shared a behind-the-scenes look from their podcast earlier this year – including a rainbow fruit platter they had made together
Kelly Mckee Zajfen shared an unseen black-and-white photograph of herself and the mother-of-two laughing together, while standing beside a fountain
Rounding off the tributes was actress Kerry Washington, who has been friends with Meghan since 2013, and said: ‘To this beautiful (inside and out) @meghan Love you so much!’
Meghan’s As Ever brand has posted a gushing birthday tribute as she turned 44.
Her lifestyle company took to Instagram with a black and white snapshot of the mother-of-two wearing a sundress and hat as she beamed into the distance.
The caption enthused about Meghan and her role leading the company.
‘Celebrating the woman behind it all,’ it read.
‘She pours her heart, vision and magic touch into every detail, and today, we raise a glass to her! Happy birthday to our founder.’
It was then re-shared on As Ever’s Instagram Story alongside two champagne flutes clinking together in celebration.
On Sunday, the eve of her 44th birthday, Meghan took to social media to share a teaser for her lifestyle brand.
Abigail Spencer and Meghan met years ago during an audition but got to know each other after appearing on Suits together
In her gushing birthday message, Abigail wished Meghan a happy birthday, and credited the Duchess with ‘saving’ her life
Meghan replied with a rare social media comment, writing: ‘Thank you, sweet Abs! Right back at you, and happy birthday to YOU! 44/4’
Meghan, left, and Abigail Spencer, right, are seen while appearing in an episode of Suits
The Duchess shared a video of herself carrying a wicker basket filled with flowers and bottles of As Ever Napa Valley rosé laid in white linen.
While Meghan’s face did not feature in the video, it showed her wearing a short white dress as she frolicked in the grass, thought to be at her Montecito estate near Santa Barbara, California.
She showed off her stack of rings on her left ring finger, including her engagement ring, wedding ring and an infinity ring, estimated to be worth around £210,000.
She also wore a gold Cartier Love Bracelet, which costs up to £7,050, and a gold Cartier Tank Watch that once belonged to Princess Diana, both of which she regularly wears.
The clip later showed a view of Meghan’s swinging feet as she sits atop a stone garden wall, clad in £720 tan-coloured Hermes Santorini sandals.
The words ‘Coming soon…’ appeared over the video to tease the launch of her new 2024 Napa Valley rosé.
Shared on the official As Ever Instagram page last night, the caption read: ‘Goodness in a glass. Right around the corner…Cheers to August!’
Meghan’s latest post comes after she announced another product coming to her As Ever line – although some of her customers were baffled as to what was actually new.
Meghan’s As Ever brand has posted a gushing birthday tribute as she celebrated her 44th birthday
The Duchess launched her lifestyle brand As Ever earlier this year, releasing the first products in April, which included a range of teas, a raspberry spread, and a limited-edition wildflower honey with honeycomb, amongst other things.
She followed it up with an apricot spread and another honey, and in July, she expanded into the world of alcohol when she dropped her own wine – the 2023 Napa Valley rosé.
Each release has been met with fierce excitement from her fans, and every product has sold out pretty quickly.
Now, the Duchess of Sussex’s brand has announced its newest product… but it might not garner the same amount of enthusiasm since it’s not very different from her last item.
The company revealed on Wednesday that following the buzz surrounding the 2023 Napa Valley rosé, it will be launching another wine, with a slight tweak – calling it the 2024 Napa Valley rosé.
And it vowed that it will pretty much taste the same as As Ever’s first wine.
‘It marries the same harmony of notes from our first blend and creates an elegant medley of delicate yet memorable flavor,’ reads a press release.
‘You’ll want to clink glasses with friends as the sun sets, toasting to a summer of joy.
In the video, Meghan swings her Hermes-clad feet while sitting on a wall, her basket filled with flowers and bottles of wine
Meghan described her new bottles as ‘goodness in a glass’
Meghan Markle tried to stir up excitement over her new product announcement but it might be hard for customers to spot what’s new with this one
The company revealed on Wednesday that following the buzz surrounding the 2023 Napa Valley rosé, it will be launching another wine, called the 2024 Napa Valley rosé
‘Barefoot or in sandals, dressed up or dressed down, this rosé may become your favorite accessory for alfresco lunches and dinners at dusk.’
In the release, As Ever listed some of the positive feedback customers had given the company over its first rosé, which included comments like, ’10 out of 10,’ ‘perfect,’ and ‘elevated flavor’.
‘This affirmed all of the love, time and effort our team, and our founder, poured into curating this blend to evoke the sun drenched spirit of Napa Valley, and the breathtaking tenor of the California Coast,’ As Ever added.
‘Thank you for filling our cup. Now it’s time for us to fill your glass! We are pleased to share that our 2024 Napa Valley rosé will be available for purchase next week.’
The brand also posted to Instagram with a series of images showing the new wine resting in beach sand.
It was uploaded alongside a caption that read: ‘Oh, how we love seeing the world through rose colored glasses. Rosé colored glasses? Perhaps even better.
‘Our new vintage of As Ever’s beloved rosé is available next week.
‘Stay tuned for more details and timing.’
‘It marries the same harmony of notes from our first blend and creates an elegant medley of delicate yet memorable flavor,’ reads a press release
The 2023 Napa Valley rosé is described on the bottle as a ‘delicately balanced rosé with soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish’
The Daily Mail FEMAIL team tried the rosé and while the wine was smooth, we couldn’t easily detect the notes of stone fruit. In fact, it tasted quite bland
As Ever’s first wine went on sale on July 1 and sold out within the hour.
Customers were able to purchase three bottles for $90, six bottles for $159, and 12 bottles for $300.
Last month, the Daily Mail exclusively revealed that the alcoholic beverage is made by Fairwinds Estate, a California winery that creates bespoke wines for celebrities.
The 2023 Napa Valley rosé is described on the bottle as a ‘delicately balanced rosé with soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish.’
It has a 14.5 per cent alcohol by volume for the 750ML bottle.
The Daily Mail FEMAIL team tried the rosé and while the wine was smooth, we couldn’t easily detect the notes of stone fruit. In fact, it tasted quite bland, and almost watery.
In addition, the rosé had some acidic notes, leaving a somewhat uncomfortable sensation at the back of our throats after swallowing.
In the end, the verdict was the wine lacked flavor and tasted affordable and ordinary. It wasn’t terrible – but it certainly wasn’t great.
Meghan, 43, launched her lifestyle brand earlier this year, releasing the first products in April, which included a range of teas, a raspberry spread, and a wildflower honey with honeycomb
The FEMAIL team also reviewed her initial set of products, and found that Meghan’s raspberry spread was too thin, too sweet, and very runny
Her hibiscus tea was extremely bitter with heavy notes of floral, with one taste tester comparing it to ‘drinking lip balm’
As for her honey, we didn’t enjoy the ‘waxy’ taste of the honeycomb or the super strong wildflower aftertaste
We felt the rosé just didn’t taste like you bought it at a fancy vineyard, where it’s supposed to be made, but rather, like a wine you would be served at a work happy hour.
The FEMAIL team also reviewed her initial set of products, and found that Meghan’s raspberry spread was too thin, too sweet, and very runny.
Her hibiscus tea was extremely bitter with heavy notes of floral, with one taste tester comparing it to ‘drinking lip balm.’
‘It tasted like dirty dishwater,’ another FEMAIL writer shared.
Some of us couldn’t even bear to swallow it, as one person even spat it back into the cup.
As for her honey, we didn’t enjoy the ‘waxy’ taste of the honeycomb or the super strong wildflower aftertaste.
