Royal family fails to acknowledge Prince Archie’s 5th birthday — here’s why

Why the royal family didn't acknowledge Prince Archie's 5th birthday
Why the royal family didn't acknowledge Prince Archie's 5th birthday

Keep calm and … remain silent?

Prince Archie celebrated his birthday Monday, but it seems as though his royal relatives didn’t get the memo.

The son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turned 5, however his special day was not acknowledged on social media by any of the royals.

Prince Archie did not receive a public shout-out from the royals on his fifth birthday.
Prince Archie did not receive a public shout-out from the royals on his fifth birthday.

And while this ruffled a few feathers among fans of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, it turns out there’s an explanation for the radio silence.

Protocol changed in September 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

With King Charles as the nation’s monarch, posts have been limited to just highlighting working members of the Windsor clan.

In keeping with royal tradition, Archie did not get a shout-out from any of his British relatives across the pond.

Similarly, the “Suits” alum didn’t receive a public message from the royals on her 42nd birthday last August.

The Sussexes quit royal life in 2020 when they stepped down as senior working members of the family, meaning they are no longer entitled to receive public messages from their relatives in the UK.

Still, it’s reported that Archie had a special low-key celebration at his Montecito, California, home, where he was joined by his proud parents, sister Lilibet, and his grandmother, Doria Ragland.

Public birthday posts are strictly reserved for working members of the royal family. REUTERS
Public birthday posts are strictly reserved for working members of the royal family. REUTERS

Last year, Archie’s birthday coincided with his grandfather Charles’ royal coronation, which also took place on May 6.

While Harry only made it for a short snippet of the ceremony before dashing back home to be with his son, it seems as though Archie was at the forefront of the king’s mind that day.

Markle, for her part, skipped the coronation entirely and remained in the US with Archie and daughter Lilibet.

The son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turned 5 on Monday, May 6. Netflix
The son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turned 5 on Monday, May 6. Netflix

Charles reportedly raised a toast to exiled grandson Prince Archie to wish him a happy fourth birthday “wherever he was.”

Earlier that day at the historic cermeony, Harry was suitably low-key and largely hidden during the coronation events.

He sat in the third row of Westminster Abbey with distant relatives and was not seen interacting at all with his dad or brother before jetting back to the US.

Archie reportedly celebrated turning 5 with his parents, sister Lilibet, and grandmother Doria Ragland. Alexi Lubomirski / Duke and Duch
Archie reportedly celebrated turning 5 with his parents, sister Lilibet, and grandmother Doria Ragland. Alexi Lubomirski / Duke and Duch

The estranged royal is gearing up to return to the UK this week for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in London.

But, unfortunately for him, there’s been no indication of any royals planning to attend the event, especially after Harry was forced to book a hotel room ahead of his brief stay.