The British Royal Family's antiques never cease to surprise. While the big four at Buckingham Palace went all quiet all these years wherever it came to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, they have suddenly appeared with pleasant birthday wishes for their spare child. However, true to form, this gesture came with a subtle caveat. A carefully cropped photo accompanying the well-wishes sparked controversy, reigniting debate about the Palace's stance on the estranged couple. 

The latest move, although a change in many years, has rekindled swirling allegations and controversies with the Royal Family's complex dynamics, reminding fans that even their silence, or gestures, speak volumes. 

The official handle of the Royal Family, representing King Charles and Queen Camilla, took to X to wish Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday. However, the gesture sparked controversy as the accompanying photo cropped out Meghan Markle. The picture, dating back to 2018, originally showed the then-newlywed couple visiting Dublin's Dogpatch startup hub. The deliberate edit before it went to the royal handles left many questioning the Palace's intentions.

Prince William and Kate Middleton reposted the Royal Family's birthday message, adding their brief wishes. "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex," they wrote. Notably, the messages lacked the personal 'W & C' signature Interestingly, the original photo featured Meghan Markle, sitting beside him, but she appears to have been cropped out of the picture by the photographer. The same has given rise to a widespread controversy online. 

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The picture left Netizens dealing with mixed emotions to comprehend the likely reason behind the move. 

While many mocked the move, others were left outraged by the gesture of the royal family. Users across the platform furiously called out the royals as using the birthday wishes as a PR stunt to cover their complex dynamics whereas a fan page made it clear how it was nothing close to any olive branch but a clear execution of formal duties towards one another. 

Others whereas thought it was a normal gesture to have used a Prince Harry-specific picture for his birthday special. 

Despite the birthday wishes, no signs of a truce have emerged between Prince Harry and the Royal Family. Although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have outlined conditions for their return to the UK, it remains unclear if the Buckingham Palace will accept their terms. A reconciliation seems distant, as both sides stand firm, leaving the future of their relationship uncertain.

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What are your thoughts on the Royal's way of wishing the estranged Prince? Let us know in the comments below.