New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- As Meghan Markle celebrates her 45th birthday, a royal author has argued that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's departure from royal duties inflicted lasting damage on the British monarchy, while also contending that the circumstances leading to their exit were more complex than often portrayed.

Author Catherine Mayer, who wrote Divide & Rule, said the split between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and the royal family has weakened the institution's ability to connect with younger generations.

"I believe that the rupture in the family that saw Meghan and Harry go to the United States has done very serious damage to the monarchy," Mayer told Fox News Digital.

However, she stressed that she did not place sole responsibilit...