Inside Meghan Markle's 42nd birthday as she puts on united front with Prince Harry

Today, Meghan Markle is celebrating her birthday and will be marking turning 42 at home with Prince Harry, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - and here we take a look at what might be in store for her

It might have been a tough few weeks for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - but today they have a reason to celebrate.

That's because today is Meghan's birthday and she will be marking turning 42. It's not clear exactly what plans the Sussexes have in order to celebrate the day but no doubt they will involve the couple's two young children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However it seems Harry and Meghan did decide to kick off the celebrations early.

That's because they were spotted on a date night together at trendy restaurant Tre Lune, which is popular with celebrities, near their home in Montecito with pals. Meghan wore a striking striped strapless black and white dress while Harry opted for a blue shirt and light chinos. The outing came a day after the couple put on a united front amid ugly rumours about their marriage and appeared together in a video call.

They were seen congratulating young innovators and campaigners on being awarded a share of a multimillion-dollar prize from the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund. The royal duo sat close to one another as they delivered the phone calls with Meghan wearing a stunning high-neck beige maxi dress paired with gold accessories, with her hair tossed over one shoulder.

The video appeared to have been filmed at the couple's Montecito mansion - and it could be that Meghan spends the day there with the family in order to keep things low-key. PR expert Mayah Riaz told the Mirror: "I imagine she is looking forward to celebrations and being treated by Prince Harry. They will possibly be quite toned down this year and likely to be a private affair.

"It's quite possible that Meghan will spend the day of her actual birthday at home in Montecito, surrounded by her two children, Prince Harry, possibly her mother Doria and their rescue dogs. Meghan may also choose to celebrate her special day with a small, intimate gathering. This could be with friends at their home or at a restaurant."

As well as the celebrations, Meghan may also be able to count on her family for some lovely gifts. It's known that Harry has treated her to some impressive presents in years gone by and this year could be no different.

And Meghan previously revealed what she wishes for each year for her birthday - and it's a tradition she started inspired by her mum Doria Ragland. On her now-defunct lifestyle blog The Tig, Meghan once wrote that she uses her birthday to make resolutions for herself - and what she hopes to see in the year ahead.

Writing in 2016, she said: "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 according to the blog, Meghan makes the same wish every time her birthday comes around. She wrote she wanted: "More surprises, more adventure, more opportunities to grow, more days filled with giggles and cheeky jokes, more delicious meals, and more inspiration. Always more inspiration."

Birthdays were a theme running throughout her blog - and in 2014, when she turned 33, she made a very specific request for a gift from her fans. She wrote: "I am 33 years old today. And I am happy. And I say that so plainly because, well…it takes time."

And continued: "So for my birthday, here’s what I would like as a gift: I want you to be kind to yourself. I want you to challenge yourself. I want you to stop gossiping, to try a food that scares you, to buy a coffee for someone just because to tell someone you love them…and then to tell yourself right back. I want you to find your happiness. I did. And it’s never felt so good."

Meghan ran her blog, named after her favourite red wine, for three years during her days as an actress on the hit TV legal drama Suits. She closed the website in April 2017, after it was revealed she was dating Harry.

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