Meghan Markle is set to be feeling excited today as she is just hours away from her 44th birthday. The Duchess of Sussex is believed to be spending tomorrow with her nearest and dearest including her husband Prince Harry, 40, and their children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.

While it is not known how they plan to mark the big day, it is likely Meghan will receive plenty of birthday wishes from friends and family. Although the Royal Family are unlikely to send public birthday greetings to the duchess, it is believed a personal message, and even a present, could be on the cards. This is despite the fact that Harry and Meghan have reportedly experienced fractured relationships with the Royal Family since quitting royal duty in 2020 and publicly criticising the Firm in the years that followed.

Speaking exclusively to Heart Bingo, former royal butler Grant Harrold – who worked for King Charles when he was the Prince of Wales between 2004 and 2011 – said he thinks both King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 78, will send Meghan birthday wishes, alongside Princess Kate.

This is despite reports that Meghan and Kate did not get on well, with the infamous bridesmaid dress row in 2018 seemingly being an example of this.

Talking about Meghan’s birthday and what she can expect from the Royal Family, Harrold said he thinks birthday well wishes and presents will be exchanged for one reason – the Royal Family have “politeness and manners.”

He said: “As far as the Royal Family congratulating or wishing a happy birthday, I believe the King and Queen will wish her a happy birthday. I think Catherine as well, but Catherine might do it on behalf of her and William.”

The former butler added: “I still think gifts do get exchanged, because the thing with the Royal Family is that when it comes to politeness and manners, they are the top of the game, so I still think they will still honor it. That’s my feeling.”

He also revealed that he thinks Harry will do something “special” for his wife’s 44th birthday.

Harrold said: “He’s quite generous. I think he’ll go down the route of buying her jewellery or taking her away on holiday. I’m sure it will be something extra special.”

As well as celebrating her birthday next week, Meghan is also set to be busy with her As Ever business, with her wine set to be restocked after selling out last month.