Hollywood legend Robert De Niro has never been one to mince words, but his latest move has sent shockwaves through both Tinseltown and royal gossip circles. According to explosive reports, the Oscar-winning actor flatly rejected a lavish gift sent by Meghan Markle on his birthday—sparking whispers of humiliation for the Duchess of Sussex.
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The gesture, said to be a carefully chosen present meant to curry favor with the Hollywood elite, reportedly backfired spectacularly when De Niro made it clear he wasn’t interested in Meghan’s so-called “royal attention.” Instead of graciously accepting the token, insiders claim he returned it immediately, a move that left Meghan absolutely furious and embarrassed.
So, what exactly was in this mysterious gift? Sources remain tight-lipped but suggest it was a luxury item tied to Meghan and Harry’s ongoing attempts to keep their brand alive in California. Whether it was a symbolic keepsake or a high-end product linked to Meghan’s rumored lifestyle ventures, one thing is certain: De Niro wasn’t having it.
“Robert doesn’t play games,” an industry insider revealed. “He doesn’t care about titles, royal connections, or PR stunts. If he feels something is insincere, he won’t accept it—and that’s exactly how he viewed Meghan’s gift.”
The rejection is especially painful given Meghan’s ongoing effort to strengthen ties within Hollywood. With projects stalling and her public image under constant scrutiny, connections with respected figures like De Niro would have provided credibility. Instead, the incident has only fueled criticism that Meghan is desperate for validation in elite circles.
For De Niro, however, the decision reportedly wasn’t personal—it was principle. Known for being fiercely private and independent, the actor apparently has little patience for those who, in his view, attempt to use relationships for publicity. Returning the gift was his way of making a bold statement: he doesn’t need Meghan’s royal associations to boost his brand.
As for Meghan, friends claim she was left “seething” by the public slap in the face. What was meant to be a subtle show of goodwill turned into yet another PR disaster, once again placing the Duchess at the center of uncomfortable headlines.
The takeaway? If Meghan hoped to win Hollywood’s biggest names with grand gestures, Robert De Niro just made it clear—not everyone is buying what she’s selling.