Meghan Markle's unusual request issued to fans as she approaches landmark day

As Meghan Markle prepares to celebrate her 44th birthday, she will no doubt be receiving stunning gifts from all her loved ones to mark the special day.

And while everyone loves a good birthday gift, in years past, the Duchess of Sussex has asked her loyal fans to give something back to themselves instead in honour of her birthday.

Meghan’s birthday this year has been marked by her cryptic As Ever post as she teased a new wine product. However in 2014, before Meghan met Prince Harry and was known for her role on TV show Suits, she was gearing up to celebrate her 33rd birthday, telling her dedicated fans specific instructions on how they should mark the day for themselves.

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Writing on her blog called The Tig, which she regularly posted on during her time living in Canada and filming the hit legal drama, Meghan simply asked her fans to do something nice for one another.

She started the post by saying: "I am 33 years old today. And I am happy. And I say that so plainly because, well…it takes time. So for my birthday, here’s what I would like as a gift: I want you to be kind to yourself. I want you to challenge yourself.

"I want you to stop gossiping, to try a food that scares you, to buy a coffee for someone just because, to tell someone you love them…and then to tell yourself right back. I want you to find your happiness. I did. And it’s never felt so good."

The blog, named after Meghan’s favourite red wine, was utilised by Meghan as a creative outlet for three years, often posting about her favourite foods, travel destinations, and her wellness journey.

She eventually closed the website in April 2017, after it was revealed she had been dating Prince Harry, sharing an emotional final post with her followers.

In her closing post, Meghan praised her readers for making her "days brighter" and urged them to "keep laughing and taking risks, and keep being 'the change you wish to see in the world '".

She added: "Above all, don't ever forget your worth - as I've told you time and time again: you, my sweet friend, you are enough."

Elsewhere on her now-shutdown blog, Meghan revealed what she wishes for each year for her birthday - and it's a tradition she started inspired by her mum Doria Ragland. Meghan once wrote that she uses her birthday to make resolutions for herself - and what she hopes to see in the year ahead.

Writing in 2016, she said: "My mom has always said that birthdays are your own personal New Year. Your own chance to make resolutions just for yourself and what you prognosticate for your year ahead."

And according to the blog, Meghan makes the same wish every time her birthday comes around. She wrote she wanted: "More surprises, more adventure, more opportunities to grow, more days filled with giggles and cheeky jokes, more delicious meals, and more inspiration. Always more inspiration."