Meghan Markle and Prince Harry wish William happy birthday on Instagram with an oddly formal message amid ‘rift’

PRINCE William is celebrating his 37th birthday today and - as you'd expect - the Duke of Cambridge has been flooded with well wishes from both Royal Family members and fans.

Earlier today, Kensington Palace shared a VERY smiley photo of the Duke of Cambridge to thank people for their "lovely wishes" on the Duke's special day - but some were quick to comment on the "formal" message Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left on the post.

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Lacking their usual social media flair, the @sussexroyal account simply commented: "Happy Birthday to The Duke of Cambridge!"

Earlier this year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sent warm wishes to Prince Louis on his birthday - signing off with "lots of love" and birthday cake and balloon emojis.

Just two weeks ago, Meghan and Harry affectionately referred to Prince Philip as "grandpa" as they wished him a very happy 98th birthday.

Unhappy with their polite message to William, one fan addressed Harry and commented: "It's your own brother, why the need to be so formal?"

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Another replied: "Wouldn't wishing your brother [a happy birthday sound] more gentle? This reads like there is hostility."

Meanwhile, a Royal Family fan account commented: "Sharing a photo of two brothers with a kind message would be so nice."

Ever since Meghan and Harry moved into their new home Frogmore Cottage earlier this years, rumours of a rift between the two couples - and specifically William and Harry - have been circulating.

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Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the Royal Foundation - the charity set up by Prince William and Prince Harry - would be separated as the Sussex and Cambridge households focus on their own charitable endeavours.

In April, it was reported that "protective" Prince William was worried about how quickly his brother's relationship with the former Suits actress had moved.

Royal author Katie Nicholl claims that the Duke of Cambridge's "well-meaning, brotherly advice went down quite badly with Harry, who felt William wasn't being as supportive as he might have been."

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In more Royal Family news, Kate Middleton has made Prince William a birthday photo album featuring family photos and drawings by the kids to remind him of "what's really important".

And this is the sweet moment Kate Middleton and Prince William rushed across the Kensington Palace lawn to greet their kids after a Cumbria trip.

Plus Meghan Markle and Prince Harry "won't slot in line" and be "controlled" by Prince William as the Fab Four split, a royal expert has revealed.