We're Pretty Positive *This* Is the Reason Meghan Markle Didn't Attend Kate Middleton's Birthday Party

There's no doubt about it: There's been a lot of drama surrounding Meghan Markle. And the rumor mill just kept on churning after what went down at Kate Middleton's recent birthday luncheon. Spoiler alert: This was one event that did not have Duchess of Sussex (or Prince Harry) on its guest list. And, of course, this set tongues wagging. 

So, here's what happened: To celebrate her 37th birthday, Middleton hosted a luncheon at the Norfolk manse she shares with Prince William over the weekend. The bash was reportedly small, with only a handful of Middleton's close school friends and her husband on hand to celebrate with her. The event reportedly included a shoot (and not the photo kind) and, you may recall Markle has been vocal about her animal-rights advocacy, reportedly causing Prince Harry to opt out of the traditional Boxing Day pheasant hunt in December. And other sources say that the Duchess of Sussex and her prince used that weekend for a getaway alone instead, after all that quality family time over the holidays.

This isn't the first time the couple has missed out on a royal event, or that the reported feud has been used as a reason for the two Duchesses to not attend the same event, or speak to each other when they do. But, allow us to ask: When's the last time you counted your sister-in-law among your handful of closest friends in the whole wide world? If you answered yesterday, you're lucky — but then again, most of us aren't besties with our in-laws. Plus, being due to give birth in just a few months, Meghan may not really feel in the party-it-up mood right now. And who can blame her for that?