Tue Sep 17 05:30:08 UTC 2024: ## Royal Family Extends Olive Branch to Prince Harry on 40th Birthday
**London, UK** – Buckingham Palace has denied allegations that an image shared on social media to mark Prince Harry’s 40th birthday was altered to exclude his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
The image, which shows Harry smiling at a table during a 2018 visit to Dublin, was originally shared on the royal family’s official Instagram account with the caption: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”. Some fans noticed a wider version of the photo that included Meghan, leading to speculation that she had been deliberately cropped out.
However, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace confirmed that the image was not altered and was used in the format it was received. Two versions of the photo were uploaded to Getty Images in 2018, one zoomed in on Harry and the other showing Meghan and others at the table.
The post has been interpreted by many as a gesture of reconciliation from the royal family, as it is the first public acknowledgment of Harry since 2021, when he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties. Harry’s brother, Prince William, and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, also shared the photo on their Instagram stories, further fueling hope for a reconciliation between the brothers.
Royal commentator Rob Jobson commented on the gesture, stating, “I think it is better than nothing…they would have gotten more bother if they hadn’t done it, so by doing it they cover themselves.” He suggested that a more personal message from William would have been preferred.
The gesture comes amid reports of a strained relationship between the brothers, stemming from an alleged rift between their wives. Harry and Meghan moved out of Kensington Palace in 2019, eventually stepping down from royal duties and relocating to the US with their two children.
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Harry expressed his hope for reconciliation with his brother, stating, “The relationship is space at the moment and time heals all things, hopefully.”
The royal family’s birthday message has been met with a mix of hope and skepticism, with some seeing it as a positive step towards reconciliation while others remain unconvinced about the true nature of the brothers’ relationship.
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