MEGHAN'S BRUTAL BIRTH DAY BOMBSHELL!

So far, the duchess' forties have been far from fabulous

The fabulous forties - a decade when you've got your life together and you're confidently working towards your goals.

But not for Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, who will have hoped that her birthday last week marks an end to a annus horribilis.

Meghan turned 42 on Friday, but rather than it being a wonderful celebration of living her best Montecito life, it marks a year of failed projects, dwindling friendships, fractured families and a growing amount of time apart from her husband Prince Harry.

Ten years ago, Meghan was riding the wave of the international TV hit Suits, five years ago she was a loved-up newlywed with Harry - but as she entered her forties, her world started unravelling and the past 12 months have been blow after blow.

It's becoming a solitary life for the Sussexes, who rarely leave their Californian compound, paranoid about being seen. The only person they fully trust is Meghan's mother Doria Ragland, who lives nearby.

Losing the $24-million Spotify deal has been a reality check for the pair, who now need to find serious income to ensure their current lifestyle, meaning birthday celebrations are low-key events.

To add salt to their wounds, Meghan didn't appear to be in attendance at her so-called best friend Serena Williams' baby shower. The tennis pro was seen with power couples the Beckhams and Clooneys, both of whom have also distanced themselves from the former royals.