Meghan Markle celebrated her 45th birthday by giving fans a playful glimpse into her special day, sharing striking black-and-white photos of herself leaping into an outdoor swimming pool while clutching a large bundle of balloons.
Posting the images on Instagram, the Duchess of Sussex smiled as she jumped into the water wearing a simple swimsuit, dark sunglasses and her hair tied back in a ponytail.
Alongside the photos, she expressed gratitude to supporters, thanking them for the outpouring of birthday wishes and affection.
As Ever Pays Tribute to Its Founder
The celebrations extended beyond Meghan’s personal account, with her lifestyle brand, As Ever, dedicating a series of birthday posts to its founder.
One image featured Meghan wearing a classic striped Céline shirt paired with white Anine Bing “Brie” jeans, reflecting the understated style often associated with the brand.
Another photo offered a nostalgic look into her childhood, showing a young Meghan in pigtails and a white turtleneck while sitting in what appeared to be her childhood bedroom.
The accompanying message wished the duchess a happy birthday while referencing As Ever’s “Lighting No. 084” candle, which appeared among several of the company’s products in a collection of celebratory images.
Lifestyle Brand Continues Busy Promotional Push
The birthday celebrations come during a busy promotional period for As Ever, which has recently showcased a range of new products through Meghan’s social media channels.
Over the weekend, she shared her recipe for a favourite ice cream sundae, layering raspberry spread with vanilla ice cream, crumbled shortbread and edible flower sprinkles.
While the dessert attracted attention, many followers were equally captivated by the jewellery she wore throughout the video.
Jewellery Collection Draws Attention
Meghan’s accessories became a talking point as viewers noticed several high-value pieces featured in the promotional clip.
Among them were her wedding band, a substantial pear-shaped diamond ring believed by some jewellery experts to be valued at around $250,000, Princess Diana’s Cartier Tank Française watch, and a Jennifer Meyer mini bezel tennis bracelet crafted in 18-carat yellow gold.
She also appeared wearing an unidentified gold band on her right hand, prompting fresh speculation among royal watchers about the significance of the piece.
Engagement Ring Missing Once Again
Despite the impressive collection of jewellery on display, one familiar item was absent — Meghan’s engagement ring from Prince Harry.
The ring has reportedly not been seen publicly for several months, with its last confirmed appearance dating back to February 2026 during an NBA game in California.
Its absence has fuelled renewed discussion, particularly given the ring’s history of redesigns.
A Ring That Has Changed Over the Years
Prince Harry commissioned the engagement ring in 2017 with the help of Cleave & Company, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s longtime jeweller.
The design held deep personal meaning, incorporating diamonds that once belonged to Princess Diana as a tribute to his late mother.
Since their engagement, the ring is believed to have undergone several modifications.
In 2019, observers noticed a slimmer band accented with additional diamonds.
Later reports suggested further updates around the 2022 Invictus Games, while repairs were thought to explain periods when the ring disappeared from public view in 2023.
More recently, eagle-eyed fans speculated that the central stone appeared to have a different cut during promotional footage for Meghan’s Netflix project in 2025, although others suggested she may simply have been wearing a replica to protect the original while filming cooking scenes.
Experts Offer Possible Explanation
Jewellery specialists have suggested Meghan’s choice to wear a prominent pear-shaped diamond ring on her right hand could represent a personal milestone rather than replacing her engagement ring.
Industry experts note that significant rings worn on the right hand are increasingly associated with independence, personal achievement and marking new chapters in life, reflecting a growing trend among clients seeking jewellery to celebrate major life moments.
New Product Launch Adds to Birthday Buzz
The birthday celebrations coincided with continued activity from As Ever, which recently introduced a new blackberry fruit spread.
The company described the latest product as a seasonal pantry staple made from ripe blackberries to deliver a rich, vibrant flavour.
Around the same time, Meghan also posted footage of herself arranging freshly picked flowers from her Montecito garden, offering followers another behind-the-scenes glimpse into her home life as the brand continues expanding its lifestyle-focused content.
