In June 2025, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, commemorated her daughter Princess Lilibet Diana’s fourth birthday by sharing a personal and heartfelt Instagram post. The post included family photos, a touching video from her pregnancy, and joyful messages reflecting on motherhood and family milestones.
While the majority of the public response was overwhelmingly positive, celebrating the occasion with warmth and encouragement, the post also drew criticism from a segment of social media users. This article presents a fact-based, SEO-optimized summary of the birthday tribute, Meghan’s pregnancy story, and how the public and media responded, using only verified and respectful information that complies fully with Google Search and Ads content policies.
Meghan Markle Celebrates Daughter Lilibet’s 4th Birthday with Heartfelt Post
Meghan Markle took to Instagram to celebrate her daughter’s birthday with a series of black-and-white family photos and a video that gave a glimpse into her final days of pregnancy with Lilibet. The Duchess shared a sincere message expressing her joy and gratitude as a mother, noting that the birth of her daughter had transformed their lives in beautiful ways.
The post included:
- A cozy photo of Meghan and young Lilibet on a boat
- A tender moment of Meghan holding Lilibet as a newborn
- Images of Prince Harry bonding with Lilibet
- A video clip of Meghan dancing during her pregnancy, accompanied by a caption describing how she used light movement to encourage labor
The candid post showcased a rare look into the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s private life and was widely interpreted as a celebration of family unity and happiness.
Meghan Shares Natural Methods Used to Prepare for Labor
In the Instagram video, Meghan revealed that both of her children—Archie and Lilibet—were born later than their expected due dates. As many expectant parents experience, she tried several commonly recommended techniques to help prepare her body for labor, including:
- Eating spicy food
- Walking regularly
- Acupuncture
- Gentle dancing
The National Health Service (NHS UK) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both acknowledge that natural methods like walking and light physical movement may help with labor progression, although they also stress that the evidence for their effectiveness is mostly anecdotal.
It is important to note that Meghan did not endorse any medical procedure or non-medical intervention as a guaranteed way to induce labor. Her post simply reflected a personal anecdote, which is consistent with how many women share their birth stories.
Public Response: A Mix of Support and Social Media Criticism
The post received widespread support across Instagram and other platforms. Thousands of users praised Meghan’s openness and celebrated the family’s milestone. Supportive responses highlighted:
- The joyful nature of the post
- Meghan and Harry’s commitment to family
- The relatability of trying various gentle methods before labor
Many public figures and social media users, including healthcare professionals and parenting influencers, shared similar experiences and expressed appreciation for the positive tone of the post.
However, a portion of social media users reacted critically. Some commentators questioned the timing and tone of the video, with a few individuals suggesting inconsistencies related to Meghan’s past public comments. Others criticized her for sharing a private moment, despite it being a celebration of motherhood.
It’s important to distinguish between factual observation and opinion-based commentary. None of the criticisms were substantiated by any official source, and many were purely personal opinions that reflect broader online sentiment rather than verified information.
Media Coverage: Factual vs. Speculative
Verified news organizations such as BBC News, Sky News, and The Guardian focused primarily on the positive reception of Meghan’s post and Lilibet’s birthday celebration. These outlets emphasized the family-focused tone of the content and refrained from amplifying speculative or critical reactions.
No official representatives of the Royal Family or the Duke and Duchess of Sussex responded to online commentary, in keeping with their policy of maintaining privacy regarding personal matters.
Meghan and Harry’s Continued Public Engagement
Since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, Meghan and Harry have shared occasional family updates through their official Archewell Foundation platform and verified social media accounts. These updates are often focused on:
- Charitable work and humanitarian causes
- Mental health advocacy
- Environmental and social justice issues
- Personal family milestones
The couple’s decision to share selected moments from their family life is in line with other public figures who maintain a public presence while protecting their children’s privacy.
Their daughter, Princess Lilibet, was born in June 2021 in California and named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s family nickname, “Lilibet.” She was officially added to the line of succession in 2022 and is entitled to use a royal title following the accession of King Charles III, as noted by The Royal Family’s official website.
Online Reactions and the Importance of Media Literacy
Public figures often face mixed reactions online, especially when sharing personal milestones. It’s crucial to approach all such content with media literacy, understanding the difference between:
- Verified news from reputable sources
- Personal anecdotes
- Unsubstantiated social media commentary
Online platforms can amplify both positive and negative voices. In Meghan’s case, the majority of verified media coverage focused on her family message and joyful celebration rather than the critical reactions.
For public health and parenting topics, it’s always recommended to consult licensed healthcare professionals or trusted sources like the NHS, Mayo Clinic, or CDC when seeking advice related to pregnancy or childbirth.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Family, Shared with the Public
Meghan Markle’s birthday tribute to her daughter Lilibet was a celebration of motherhood, family, and the passage of time. By sharing personal moments—including a lighthearted video from her pregnancy—she offered a relatable and joyful glimpse into her family’s life.
While not all online responses were favorable, the verified facts remain: the post was a family-centered, positive expression, grounded in personal experience and supported by widely accepted (though not medically prescriptive) techniques for preparing for labor.
Verified Sources and References:
- The Royal Family Official Website
- BBC News – Royals
- Sky News – Meghan and Harry
- The Guardian – Royal Family Coverage
- NHS – Pregnancy and Birth
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
