The meaning behind Prince William and Kate Middleton's birthday message to Prince Harry

Today is a rather special one in the land of royals, as it's Prince Harry's 36th birthday! Naturally, as one might expect, his family have posted celebratory messages marking the occasion on social media - and that includes his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Given recent rumours that the brothers have grown distant from one another, ever since Harry (along with his wife, Meghan Markle) decided to step away from his senior royal role and move to America, royal fans have naturally analysed the message shared on @KensingtonRoyal's Instagram account... a fair bit. The profile is used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to connect with the general public and to share updates about their work.

Today, however, the account was also used to share a sweet birthday message to Harry, along with a photograph of the two brothers and Kate. In the image they're all laughing and running together on an athletics track “ likely while attending an event relating to the mental health campaign, Heads Together, that William, Kate and Harry launched together in 2017.

Accompanying the happy throwback shot was a simple note: "Wishing a very happy birthday to Prince Harry today! 🎂🎈"

But because this is the internet -of course - one social media user pointed out that Meghan is rather absent from the picture. "The shade of them using this pic rather than one including his wife," they wrote, while another said, "Interesting photo selection! No Meghan...".

Related: Kensington Palace speaks on report that Kate Middleton is ‘furious’ about workload

However, it seems that in typical social media fashion, it's really not that deep after all - when wishing Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, a very happy birthday back in April, The Cambridges chose to do so featuring a picture of just the two of them and The Queen. No sign of Prince Philip! It was a similar situation on Princess Anne's 70th too (her husband Timothy Laurence wasn't included in any imagery shared).

Other royals, including Harry and William's father, Prince Charles, also took to Instagram to wish him many happy returns. "Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duke of Sussex today! 🎂," was the message from the @ClarenceHouse account, which is dedicated to The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.

The Queen also shared a message and photograph, "Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy birthday! [Picture shows] The Queen and The Duke during a Queen’s Young Leaders reception at Buckingham Palace in 2017."

Happy birthday to you, Harry! We hope Meghan and Archie are spoiling you rotten today.

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

SIGN UP

You Might Also Like

• A ranking of the very best hair straighteners - according to our Beauty Editors

• Best party dresses to shop in the UK right now

• 11 products you'd be mad to miss from the Net A Porter beauty sale