UPDATE: Meghan Markle just celebrated her 44th birthday in a stunning display of love and gratitude, dining at the celebrity-favorite restaurant Funke in Beverly Hills on Monday. The Duchess of Sussex shared an intimate moment with husband Prince Harry and close friends, blowing out candles on a beautifully adorned cake, as she expressed her appreciation on Instagram.

In her heartfelt post, Markle reflected, “Blowing out the candles on a beautiful 24 hours, and thanking my husband, friends, and family for making it so special.” She extended her gratitude to those who support her from afar, stating, “To those of you I don’t know, but who send love every day – thank you so much. Please know I feel it and appreciate it.”

Markle also praised the culinary experience at Funke, saying, “This dinner last night with the culinary mastery of @evanfunke and his team is in the top five meals of my life. Extraordinary … Thank you for a standout dining experience.”

However, the celebration was somewhat overshadowed by recent allegations. Former Times royal correspondent Valentine Low discussed claims of alleged abuse faced by Markle’s past employees during a recent appearance on Kinsey Schofield’s podcast “Unfiltered.” Low suggested that staff members were “very worried about what Meghan would do to them” and cited experiences from his book, “Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown.”

Low’s comments have sparked renewed interest and debate surrounding Markle’s treatment of staff. He stated, “If Markle and Harry were difficult to work for then, they’re difficult to work for now.”

In response, a spokesperson for Markle vehemently rejected these claims, telling Page Six that Low is “desperately recycling false, offensive, and long-discredited allegations in an apparent bid to sell books and resuscitate relevance.” The spokesperson emphasized that Markle has faced “years of unfounded attacks masked as journalism” and remains focused on her family and work despite the ongoing controversy.

As the situation develops, the public eagerly awaits any further statements from Markle or her representatives. The juxtaposition of a joyful birthday celebration against a backdrop of serious allegations highlights the complexities surrounding the Duchess’s public persona.

Fans and followers are sharing their condolences and support for Markle, reflecting a growing dialogue about the pressures faced by public figures. As the narrative unfolds, it remains to be seen how Markle will navigate this challenging landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.