Take her birthday message to her grandson that was posted on her official Instagram last week (it was Harry’s birthday on Sunday 15th September). She posted a photo of her and Harry having a laugh - cute! - but it was what she wrote that left us feeling cold.
“Happy Birthday to The Duke of Sussex – 35 today!”, it read.
Emotionless and brief, it’s the kind of message you’d find pre-written in a card, where all you need to do is [insert name].
Think we’re reading too much into it?
Here’s what she wrote for Prince William’s birthday on the 21st of June:
“Happy Birthday to The Duke of Cambridge! 🎂The Duke of Cambridge is second in line to the throne. His Royal Highness undertakes a number of charitable activities and projects, and carries out public and official duties in support of The Queen, in the UK and overseas, alongside The Duchess of Cambridge. Find out more about The Duke’s life and work @kensingtonroyal.”
So much more thought and adoration went into those words. He even got a plug for his Instagram account!
Just for fun, let’s also take a look at the birthday messages Queen Elizabeth posted for their wives.
For Meghan Markle’s birthday on August 4th, the Queen’s message read:
“Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Sussex. 🎂The Duchess was born on this day in 1981.”
Brrr. She didn't even get an exclamation point.
In contrast, for the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s birthday (January 9th), the Queen had plenty of high praise to go alongside her birthday wishes:
“Happy Birthday to HRH The Duchess of Cambridge! The Duchess undertakes royal duties in support of The Queen, both in the UK and overseas – and devotes her time to supporting charitable causes and organisations, several of which are centred around providing children with the best possible start in life.”
The proof is in the captions people.