Meghan Markle's recent 45th birthday celebration, marked by a series of solo images on social media, has drawn commentary from an etiquette expert who suggests the event leaned more towards a "publicity stunt" than a private family occasion.

Julius Smith, a former royal butler, stated that while milestone birthdays traditionally included ages like 18, 21, 50, and 60, a 45th was not previously considered a major event in itself. He expressed concern that the focus of such celebrations can shift from the personal enjoyment to the surrounding publicity.

"What concerns me is that the celebration itself can sometimes take second place to the publicity," Smith told the Daily Mail. He posited that birthdays in one's 40s and 50s should prioritize relationships over fanfare, menu, or outfits. "The finest were never the biggest. They were discreet, personal occasions where everyone felt relaxed enough simply to enjoy themselves."

Markle, who has resided in Montecito, California, since 2020, posted black-and-white images of herself jumping into an outdoor pool and later shared a video of herself dancing in her kitchen, wearing a novelty tiara and a T-shirt that read "It's giving Mrs." Her husband, Prince Harry, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were not visible in the shared content. Smith noted that while there is "absolutely nothing wrong with dancing in your kitchen, wearing a playful tiara or enjoying a birthday at home with your family," it becomes concerning when a birthday "begins to feel more like a photoshoot than a family occasion."

Smith contrasted Markle's approach with other recent high-society birthdays. He cited Victoria Beckham's 52nd birthday as an "understated" event where the emphasis was on spending time with loved ones rather than generating headlines. "I have always thought there is something rather elegant about that," he remarked.

Shipping heiress Eugenie Niarchos's 40th birthday in Greece was described as "centred on people, rather than presentation." Smith highlighted the easy friendships on display among guests who had known each other since boarding school, emphasizing that memorable celebrations are about how people felt surrounded by loved ones, not just the "bells and whistles."

Similarly, Alice Naylor-Leyland's 40th birthday in Tuscany, attended by figures like Lady Mary Charteris and Poppy Delevingne, was noted for having "a real sense of occasion without descending into fancy dress." Smith admired the black-tie dress code and formal setting, stating, "I have always believed birthdays are one of those occasions when people should make an effort."

Regarding Poppy Delevingne's star-studded 40th birthday party in London, which included celebrities like Taylor Swift and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Smith suggested that a high-profile guest list does not guarantee a memorable event. He believes that guest lists should be filled with "the people who matter most" and that celebrations should be personal before they are fashionable.

Lady Mary Charteris's 39th birthday in London and Emma Thynn, the Marchioness of Bath's, birthday were also mentioned. Smith commented on Thynn's celebration, noting that a good host ensures guests are enjoying themselves and that if a celebration "begins to feel more about the host than the guests, I think something has been lost."

Tamara Ecclestone's 42nd birthday was characterized as a "family affair from start to finish," with personalized decor and an intimate meal. Smith found this approach to be "personal, warm and centred on family," contrasting it with what he called "tacky" when birthdays become "photoshoots" or "a publicity event."

Ultimately, Smith asserted that the best birthday celebrations are those where guests can "put their phones away, enjoy each other's company and simply be present," creating lasting impressions beyond elaborate documentation.IMAGE2 IMAGE11 IMAGE5 IMAGE10 IMAGE6 IMAGE7 IMAGE4 IMAGE3 IMAGE1 IMAGE9 IMAGE8