Meghan Markle’s 2016 Birthday Wish Was More Telling Than Anyone Realized originally appeared on Parade.
In 2016, Meghan Markle shared a birthday wish, expressing that she felt “incredibly joyful” about another trip around the sun. The post seemed simple at the time, but her followers had no idea just how meaningful that wish would turn out to be.
In an archived post from Meghan's now-defunct website, The Tig, the Duchess of Sussex revealed how she felt turning 35 back in 2016. She wrote that in anticipation of the year ahead, she came up with a "happy blank."
"My mom has always said that birthdays are your own personal New Year, your own chance to make resolutions just for yourself and what you prognosticate for your year ahead. And while I’ve always loved that sentiment, I have to say that when I close my eyes and think of what I wish for, I come up with a blank. A big old happy blank," she began.
"I am feeling so incredibly joyful right now, so grateful and content that all I could wish for is more of the same. More surprises, more adventure, more opportunities to grow, more days filled with giggles and cheeky jokes, more delicious meals, and more inspiration."
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This hopeful birthday post also had a hidden meaning. At the time of its writing, Meghan was in the new stages of her relationship with Prince Harry. The couple had not yet gone public with their romance.
However, there appear to be clues within the post that she'd been spending time with the Duke of Sussex. She used the word "cheeky," which is British slang, per the Cambridge Dictionary, for "slightlyrudeor showing no respect, but often in a funny way."
One month prior, Meghan and Harry had their first date on July 3, 2016. The couple met on a blind date at Soho House in London.
On July 4, 2025, Meghan reflected on the couple's second date via Instagram. She revealed, "Our second date was the 4th of July 2016, and H brought me cupcakes to celebrate. Now, all these years later, our two children are in on the tradition."
They met again the next day and continued to stay in contact. So by the time of Meghan's 2016 Tig birthday post, she was around one month into her new relationship.
Meghan Markle turns 44 today. While the royal hasn't shared any celebration plans on social media, she will likely spend it with Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Meghan Markle’s 2016 Birthday Wish Was More Telling Than Anyone Realized first appeared on Parade on Aug 4, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
