Reports have it that Meghan Markle has hired Oprah Winfrey’s party planner to help with preparations for her 40th birthday, after the TV personality recommended him personally.

The Duchess of Sussex is understood to have hired the services of top celebrity wedding and event planner, Colin Cowie, to help plan a low-key party to mark the milestone birthday.

The celebrations are set to take place on August 4 at Meghan and Prince Harry’s £11million (€12.9) mansion in Santa Barbara, California, and will coincide with COVID restrictions with a stripped-back guest list of only 65 people.

‘Meghan wants a small gathering. About 65 people are invited, her closest friends and family,’ a source said, speaking to The Mirror. ‘Colin was recommended to her by Oprah who always puts on fabulous parties.’

Harry has reportedly ordered a cake from local baker Posies & Sugar and guests on the day will enjoy ‘grazing tables’ with locally sourced foods and wines.

Meghan’s laid-back birthday bash is in strong contrast to her luxury $500,000 (€420,000) baby shower in New York before the birth of her son Archie in 2019.

The festivities took place at the exclusive The Mark hotel in Manhattan and were attended by Meghan’s dearest friends including Serena Williams and Amal Clooney. Notably, Meghan’s mum, Doria, and her sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, didn’t attend the shower.

Apart from Oprah, party planner Colin, who is known for planning extravagant and lavish gatherings, has been hired by other A-listers including Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise, and Kim Kardashian.

Furthermore, Colin won the title of being Vogue’s No.1 wedding planner and caterer in the northeast United States in 2018 so Meghan will be in good hands.

News of Oprah’s recommendation comes after The Sussexs’ explosive interview with the Presenter in March, where Meghan and Harry both laid bare their troubling experiences as members of the British royal family.