Meghan Markle has shared a touching Instagram Story to celebrate her mother Doria Ragland’s 69th birthday.
Ms Ragland, born on September 2, 1956, lives in Los Angeles, roughly a two-hour drive away from Montecito.
To mark the occasion, Meghan posted a boomerang showing her repeatedly kissing her mother on the cheek.
The short clip played alongside Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday and was decorated with floating pink heart doodles.
Doria Ragland emerges on Meghan Markle's social media profile in rare post
|INSTGRAM / @MEGHAN
It carried the caption: “Happy Birthday to my beautiful mom!” followed by a pink heart emoji.
Both women appeared smiling and relaxed, with Meghan in a white off-the-shoulder blouse while her mother wore a Snoopy-print top.
The boomerang effect gave the post a playful feel, looping the affectionate kiss.
Meghan shared the moment with her 4.1 million followers on Instagram.
Doria Ragland has been a close source of support to Harry and Meghan | GETTYHer choice of format echoed comments she made earlier this year about her return to social media.
Speaking to People in March, Meghan said: “When I was last on social media, Boomerang was the thing. Instagram Stories didn’t even exist. So it’s been a minute.”
Ms Ragland has long been a steady presence in her daughter’s life and is often seen supporting the Sussex family.
She is a devoted grandmother to Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.
Meghan Markle is extremely close with her mother Doria Ragland | PALATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Doria Ragland pictured alongside Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian at the This Is About Humanity's fifth annual soiree | GETTYMs Ragland accompanied Meghan to her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 and has since joined the couple at several key events.
The latest Instagram Story shows how central their relationship remains as Ms Ragland celebrates her 69th birthday.
The tribute marks one of Meghan’s most personal posts since returning to Instagram in January earlier this year.
It offered royal fans a rare glimpse into the Duchess’s close relationship with her mother.