Meghan Markle new normal 'stings' as Duchess faces bitter reality

Meghan Markle's exit from the Palace to live a life of her own backfired, and the big proof was her milestone birthday party.

According to Rob Shutter, the Duchess of Sussex wanted to be surrounded by Hollywood A-listers to celebrate her 45th birthday, but that did not happen.

An insider said, "Meghan loves a big party. She envisioned another iconic celebrity gathering where everyone who’s anyone would be there. It was supposed to remind the world she was still Hollywood royalty."

Like her royal wedding witnessed by the world and full of renowned figures and later her star-studded baby shower, the Duchess imagined this sort of celebration in Montecito

"It quickly became obvious the guest list wasn’t coming together. People were busy, relationships had changed, and the excitement around Meghan just isn’t what it once was. The big party quietly disappeared," the source said.

Meghan apparently entered into the new chapter of her life with Prince Harry and their two kids, Archie and Lilibet.

The former working royal has been facing a bitter reality of life without royal ties.

An insider revealed, "This wasn’t the life Meghan imagined when she left the palace. She’s adjusting to a much smaller world than the one she expected.

"She’s grateful for her family, but there’s no denying it still stings. The spotlight isn’t as bright, and neither is the guest list."