Meghan Markle Hires Oprah Winfrey's Friend As She Plans 'Low-Key' 40th Birthday Bash

Aug 03, 2021 by apost team

Meghan Markle has had a very busy last couple of months. For starters, she gave birth to her and Prince Harry's second child, a daughter named Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, on June 4. Named in honor of both her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and Harry's late mother Princess Diana, Lilibet's birth propelled the couple back into the press.

Then a few days later, the Duchess of Sussex released her very first children's book titled "The Bench." The story began as a poem that Markle wrote to Harry one Father's Day before it was turned into a book with gorgeous illustrations by Christian Robinson. Released on June 8, it didn't take long for "The Bench" to become a #1 New York Times bestseller, proving that Markle's talents lie in much more than just acting. Markle then gave an interview to NPR about "The Bench," which was her first one since her and Harry's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March. 

Now, the Duchess of Sussex's year is about to get even bigger, with her 40th birthday fast approaching on Aug. 4. To celebrate officially entering her 40s, Markle is believed to be hosting a small birthday celebration with 65 of her nearest and dearest. To help her set up a party that she'll remember, the duchess has turned to Winfrey's friend and party planner of choice, Colin Cowie. Expected to take place at the Montecito, California home she shares with Prince Harry, the bash is in adherence to Covid rules as the golden state is officially open. Let's take a look.

Meghan Markle looks set to ring in her milestone 40th birthday with close friends, which will no doubt include a few celebrities, various sources report. According to Mirror, the celebration is expected to be "low-key" compared to her baby shower in 2019, which drew some ire when Markle jetted off to New York before Archie's birth. 

Expected to take place at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Montecito home, Mirror reports that guests will be offered refreshments via "grazing tables" in which food will be sourced from local suppliers including wines from local vineyards. Furthermore, Prince Harry is believed to have ordered a cake from Posies & Sugar, a local baker.

But no doubt the magic on Markle's big day will come courtesy of Colin Cowie, party planner extraordinaire. Oprah Winfrey's friend and party planner of choice, Cowie is no stranger to big-name events, having planned celebrations for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise and Kim Kardashian. A source added, as reported by the Daily Star:

"Megan wants a small gathering. About 65 people are invited, including her closest friends and family. Colin was recommended to her by Oprah who always puts on fabulous parties."

Voted by Vogue as the number one wedding planner and caterer for the north-eastern region of the United States in 2018, Cowie has built his career and reputation on putting on incredible events for his clients. The Daily Star reveals that his mantra is:

"The equation for the gold standard of service isn’t 1+1=2. It’s 1+1=3. What can you do to stay ahead of the curve?"

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Blowing out the candles on her 40th birthday cake will no doubt feel momentous for Markle after the massive year she's had. Not only did the couple's family grow to four, but the release of her first children's book was deemed a big success. 

Furthermore, the couple's media plans — including multimillion-dollar contracts with Spotify, Netflix and a publishing deal — are still yet to come. While many women in Hollywood may feel added pressure when entering their 40s, Markle has settled down comfortably into family life, and her and Harry's recent and upcoming projects prove they both still have a lot going on.

In contrast to the last few years, Markle's 40th birthday will be quite the celebration. Choosing to celebrate privately for much of her late 30s, Markle's 36th birthday saw Harry whisk her away to Botswana, Africa, where the charitable couple carried out conservation work with Elephants Without Borders. 

For her birthday the following year, they attended the wedding of friends, while the one after that was Markle's first as a mom, leading the young family to choose to spend a private day together at their UK home, Frogmore Cottage, before heading off to Ibiza on a holiday days after. Then last year, Markle had another quiet birthday due to the Covid pandemic.

For how quietly she celebrated her birthdays in her late 30s, Markle's 40th party — despite its intimate size — should be quite the bash. All the best to the Duchess of Sussex as she enters a new decade of life! 

What do you think about Meghan Markle's plans for her intimate 40th birthday bash? How did you celebrate yours? Pass this on so others can stay up to date too!