Kate Middleton Criticized by Meghan Markle’s Friend for Missing Princess Lilibet’s First Birthday

Kate Middleton faced criticism from one of Meghan Markle’s friends for missing Princess Lilibet’s first birthday celebration two years ago. Garcelle Beauvais, a star on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” shared her thoughts on the matter in a conversation with E! News, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Beauvais questioned the Princess of Wales’ absence from the birthday celebration, suggesting it was a deliberate slight. “What’s going on is, ‘What a coincidence, we’re out of town, I’m washing my hair.’ There’s a little shade there,” she remarked, implying that Kate’s reason for missing the event might not have been entirely genuine.

Princess Lilibet’s first birthday was celebrated on June 4, 2022, at Frogmore Cottage, the former UK residence of Meghan and Prince Harry. This event occurred just days before the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a significant moment for the royal family. The Sussexes reportedly celebrated the occasion in the UK, providing a rare opportunity for Lilibet’s great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, to meet her great-granddaughter for the first time.

At the time, Prince William and Kate were overseeing concert rehearsals at Cardiff Castle, a pre-scheduled engagement that coincided with Lilibet’s birthday. Their official duties meant they missed the family celebration.

However, Beauvais pushed back against the notion that the royal couple was unable to alter their plans. “No. They can’t hold back the flight a couple of hours to meet Lilibet and Archie?” she questioned, suggesting that a brief delay in their schedule could have allowed them to attend the birthday celebration.

This criticism comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. The strained relationship has been a topic of public and media scrutiny since Harry and Meghan stepped back from their senior royal roles and moved to California. The absence of Prince William and Kate from such a significant family event further highlights the personal rifts within the family.

Despite these tensions, the Sussexes marked Lilibet’s milestone with a quiet celebration in the UK. The party reportedly featured an intimate gathering of close friends and family, offering a rare chance for the royal relatives to bond with the young Sussex children. However, the absence of key family members like Prince William and Kate was notable and added to the ongoing narrative of division within the royal family.

Beauvais’ comments reflect a broader public sentiment that questions the dynamics and decisions within the royal family, especially regarding the interactions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royals. While the royal couple’s official duties are often cited as reasons for their absence, critics argue that more effort could be made to bridge the familial divide, particularly for important family events.

The criticism from Beauvais also underscores the high expectations placed on the royal family to maintain unity and support, especially during significant personal milestones. The public and media continue to scrutinize every action and inaction, interpreting them as signs of deeper underlying issues.

As the royal family navigates these complex relationships, the hope remains that future occasions might offer opportunities for reconciliation and renewed connections, particularly for the sake of the youngest members of the family, who are growing up amidst these ongoing family dynamics.