Royal butler claims the Queen had a cake for Lilibet's birthday but the Sussexes 'never showed up'
They had organised a party for their youngest child at Frogmore Cottage


Princess Lilibet famously turned one year old during the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee last year, but unfortunately, the family milestone wasn't without its drama.
While Queen Elizabeth II finally got to meet her tiny namesake over the weekend of celebrations, apparently she didn't get to see the little girl on the day of her actual birthday, Saturday 4 June — or so claims a former royal butler, at least.
"Even on Lilibet's first birthday the Queen didn't see her. She saw her the day before," Paul Burrell told the Mirror.
"But on her birthday, the Queen had a birthday cake made with one candle in it. And they never turned up. That candle was never lit."
Instead, that day the Sussexes held a birthday celebration for their youngest child at Frogmore Cottage, with the Tindall family in attendance alongside friends of the family. Prince William and Princess Kate were also invited as an "olive branch," but they skipped the event — most likely because they were busy with Jubilee engagements, though the Sussexes were reportedly hurt by their no-show.
Burrell continued: "The next day [the Queen] asked if maybe they'd like to come up for tea again and was told they've gone. 'What do you mean they've gone?’ she said. They’ve gone back to America. 'Oh no, they never said goodbye.'"
It's important to note at this stage that Paul has not worked for the Royal Family since 1997, as he was Princess Diana's butler until the time of her death. While he may well still have contacts in the royal household, he wouldn't have personally witnessed these interactions (or lack thereof) between the Queen and the Sussexes.
Obviously, if things did happen the way Paul described them, it sounds like there were a lot of hurtful moves going on during the historic royal event.
Still, we're sure that Harry and Meghan did the best they could under extremely tense circumstances.
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
-
Paris Hilton addresses 'vicious' comments about her son's head in a new interview
"I couldn't believe that they could be mean... about a little innocent baby."
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Royal biography Endgame pulled after Dutch translation 'names' royal who 'questioned' Archie's skin colour
Omid Scobie's latest royal book is already proving controversial just a day after its release
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Harry Styles and Taylor Russell are 'living together' and secretly enjoying cute London dates
These two are getting serious
By Lauren Hughes
-
Royal biography Endgame pulled after Dutch translation 'names' royal who 'questioned' Archie's skin colour
Omid Scobie's latest royal book is already proving controversial just a day after its release
By Jadie Troy-Pryde
-
Kate and Meghan have not spoken 'in four years'
It even predates the Sussex royal exit
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate took elocution lessons to sound 'more posh' than William, according to a royal expert
Apparently the Princess had several sessions
By Lauren Hughes
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton's rare PDA was caught on camera during a royal outing
A sweet and candid moment
By Lauren Hughes
-
Are Harry and Meghan looking to set up a home in the UK?
Harry is said to be 'missing' his life here
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William fields a cheeky question about his bank balance during a royal engagement
He was put on the spot by an inquisitive 11 year old
By Lauren Hughes
-
Why Charles and Harry’s birthday phonecall is a 'turning point' for their relationship
Is a reconciliation is on the cards?
By Lauren Hughes
-
This was Kate Middleton's biggest struggle when she joined the Royal Family
Her fear is very relatable
By Lauren Hughes