The 44-year-old Duchess of Sussex marked the occasion from the couple’s Montecito mansion on Tuesday (local time), posting a string of intimate videos and photos to Instagram, including 24 previously unseen images from her May 19, 2018 wedding to Harry, 41, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

“Eight years ago today…” Meghan captioned one post, which featured a collection of professional photographs from the royal ceremony and reception.

Meghan Markle took to Instagram on Tuesday (local time), posting a string of intimate videos and photos to Instagram, including 24 previously unseen images from their May 19, 2018 wedding at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. Picture: Instagram @meghan

However many commenters focused on one odd detail in the posts: the fact that the anniversary was celebrated with a cake decorated with candles.

Meghan shared footage of Harry standing in their kitchen beside a cake decorated with candles while singing alongside the couple’s children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, four.

“Happy anniversary to Mama!” Harry sang with the children, whose voices could be heard off-camera.

“And papa!” Meghan quickly added before leaning in to kiss her husband.

One of the children, believed to be Lilibet, could then be heard encouraging the pair to “blow out” the candles- despite several social media users questioning why the couple appeared to be celebrating their anniversary like a birthday.

One royal watcher wrote: “Dozens of pics of their Spectacle, cake w candles?? Who blows out candles on their anniversary??

Another added: “She has bombarded the internet with wedding pics and a cake with candles [laughing face emojis] she is tragic.”

Meghan also shared footage of Harry, 41, standing in their kitchen beside a cake decorated with candles while singing alongside the couple’s children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, four. Picture: Instagram @meghan

The Duchess later filmed herself squealing as Harry gifted her a bronze penguin statue, along with oversized handmade cards from the children. Picture: Instagram @meghan

The Duchess later filmed herself squealing as Harry gifted her a bronze penguin statue, along with oversized handmade cards from the children.

“When mama and papa, when we got engaged, we had a party with all of our friends, and we said, ‘everyone wear an animal onesie’ and we were penguins,” Meghan explained in the video. “Because they’re together for life.”

Meghan also uploaded another image showing the couple kissing while holding a lemon elderflower cake- the same flavour served at their royal wedding reception.

In another close-up clip, she revealed a card from Harry reading: “The One And Only”, alongside a printed photo of the pair posing in matching penguin onesies.

The posts quickly ignited debate online, with critics accusing the Sussexes of trying too hard to prove how happy they are.

In another close-up clip, she revealed a card from Harry reading: “The One And Only”, alongside a printed photo of the pair posing in matching penguin onesies. Picture: Instagram @meghan

A close up of the printed out selfie Harry and Meghan took in their penguin onesies. Picture: Instagram @meghan

Meghan also uploaded another image showing the couple kissing while holding a lemon elderflower cake- the same flavour served at their royal wedding reception. Picture: Instagram @meghan

One user wrote on X: “This is so so cringe! If these were personal family moments and not contrived then why would you need the world to see them?? Even their anniversary is all about ‘Mama’! What did she buy him? Her presence?”

Another said: “This is beyond CRINGE & so performative!”

Others questioned why the couple appeared to be treating their eighth anniversary as a major milestone.

“Why is this a thing, 8 years isn’t even that big of a milestone, WTF,” one critic wrote.

Another added: “Meghan Markle is going IN on the anniversary thing. Girl. It’s 8 years, not 20. The prove-it-game is going hard too-see? Harry DOES like me! We ARE in LOVE! Love how the kids were only going to sing to her until she threw Papa in there. Must be used to everything always being about Markle in that house.”

Despite the backlash, the posts were also flooded with support from fans who praised the couple for sharing candid family moments and rare wedding content.

“Happy 8th wedding anniversary to Prince Harry and Meghan. Nine years of love, partnership & memories – made even more special with Meghan sharing wedding photos, including some never seen before & others featured in their doc,” one supporter wrote.

Another said: “Say what you want about them, but Harry always finds the most thoughtful and sentimental ways to show his love. This is honestly so sweet and beautiful!”

A third added: “They look so genuinely happy and goofy together in those penguin outfits Love how they keep their private moments grounded despite all the constant media noise. Happy anniversary to Harry and Meghan!”