Meghan Markle — or should we call her the Duchess of Sussex now that she’s married to Prince Harry — celebrates turning 37 today. But after this former actress walked down the very long aisle inside St. George’s Chapel, there’s some things she simply can’t do anymore.
Don’t take it personally. It’s not just Markle who can’t do things like wear red nail polish, go out alone or even throw a public birthday party. In fact, all royals have strict etiquette practices, according to royal experts.
The Express says Markle is at a wedding on her birthday, but we imagine her instead reminiscing on the time when she could go on a low-key girls trip on her born day. Let’s learn more about what she won’t be doing today.
There’s No Birthday Party
Well, not a public one anyway. The Express reports that royals typically throw an intimate party at home.
She Can’t Have Lobster on the Menu
It’s true. In fact, now that she’s a royal, Markle — along with other royals — can’t have shellfish, extremely spicy foods and rare meat, Royal Butler Grant Harrold told the Express.
There’s No Stuntin for the ‘Gram
In fact, Markle had to give up all of her social media accounts when she said “I do” to the Duke of Sussex. She also shut down a lifestyle blog she created called The Tig.
She Can’t Protest
Some may find it cool to go get involved and protest on their birthdays. But for our girl Markle, she can’t do that or share her political views in general, according to royal protocol.
She Won’t Sing the Stevie Wonder Version of “Happy Birthday”
Well, we don’t know that for sure. But…
She Can’t Take a Solo Vacation
Every Black woman should make it a goal to go on a solo excursion once in her lifetime and many women choose their birthday for such an occasion. But Markle can’t even consider that as an option. Royals always travel with security. Even Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, has a security detail.
She Can’t Get a Red Manicure
When Markle became a royal, she had to say goodbye to bright nail polish. Royal etiquette says that royals can only paint their nails in nudes or pail pinks, the Express reports.
Try to have a happy birthday anyway Duchess!
