'THEY'LL DO ANYTHING TO PROTECT ARCHIE AND LILIBET'

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX REFUTE RUMOURS OF A RIFT AS THEY STEP OUT FOR A ROMANTIC CELEBRATION IN MONTECITO

- EVE MACDONALD

UNITED FRONT

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have poured cold water over rumours that they are “growing apart”, after photos emerged of them smiling and laughing together two days before Meghan’s 42nd birthday on 4 August.

The couple were seen out at the Italian restaurant Tre Lune in their hometown of Montecito, California, and were in high spirits, looking as if they did not have a care in the world.

Meghan looked sleek and elegant in her £188 strapless black and white dress by designer Posse. She and her husband put on a united front, refusing to be shaken by recent whispers, as they were joined by their good friends, Pilates instructor Heather Dorak and her husband Matt Cohen.

The double date was the first time Meghan and Harry, 38, had been seen out in public together after speculation emerged that their marriage is under strain, and since the “near-catastrophic” New York car chase following an awards ceremony in May.

It followed their surprise appearance in a heartwarming video last week in a fight against cyberbullying, which according to a body language expert, demonstrated that Harry had taken on the role of his wife’s protector (more of which later).

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond says besotted Harry will have gone out of his way to dote on his wife to make her feel extra special.

Describing the birthday girl’s day as “probably starting with an early morning yoga session” as usual, she adds that she would have been treated to “a cuddle with her babies while Harry made her a delicious and incredibly healthy breakfast”.