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Privacy NoticePrince Harry will be full of excitement as he gears up to celebrate his landmark 40th birthday tomorrow – a feeling which will be quite the opposite to the anxiety he admitted clouded his 30th in 2014. He’s also taken a moment to reflect on the joys of fatherhood with Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three. The Duke of Sussex shared: “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40. Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work. Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place.”
Prince Harry has often spoken of the joys fatherhood has brought him
(Image: alexilubomirski/Instagram)
While he’ll be enjoying his special day privately with his family in California, it’s been claimed that King Charles will reach out with a birthday call to his son. However, sources say Prince William won’t be doing the same, underscoring the deep rift that remains between the brothers. It was just two weeks ago that Harry and William were both present at a memorial service for their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes, yet they didn’t exchange a single word, despite being mere feet apart. An insider revealed to the Mirror: “What a difference the years have brought. When Harry turned 30, it looked like nothing could come between him and his brother. Together, they were set to become the new face of the royals, injecting a much needed modernisation of The Firm.” “But now, William and Harry don’t even speak. Before, they always celebrated major milestones together but there will be no transatlantic call between to the two on Harry’s big day.”
The two brothers rift has been ongoing for several years
(Image: PA)
On his 30th birthday, Prince Harry had a wild black-tie bash at Clarence House courtesy of his older brother, Prince William. At that time, Harry, fresh from his break up with Cressida Bonas, longed for nothing more than a loyal canine companion and a quaint country home. Keen on settling down, he was often seen tagging along with William and Kate at Royal engagements, with the nation rooting for him to find the perfect partner to share his life. Well entrenched in Royal duties, Harry held onto his titles and enjoyed a deep connection with his relatives, occasionally putting celebrations on hold, reportedly once due to Kate’s acute morning sickness during her pregnancy with Princess Charlotte. The trio seemed inseparable back then. But fast forward to the present, and we see a prince charting an independent course far from Buckingham Palace, devoid of his military accolades, and distanced from his family.
The brothers relationship has been broken down for several years
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
“But now, William and Harry don’t even speak. Before, they always celebrated major milestones together but there will be no transatlantic call between to the two on Harry’s big day.” The rift reportedly started after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s move to California, followed by their tell-all with Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, Meghan opened up about her mental health struggles, saying, “I just didn’t want to be alive any more,” and detailed how she felt unsupported by the Royal Family. She recounted being denied help for her suicidal thoughts because it “wouldn’t be good for the institution”. Harry also revealed conversations concerning “concerns” over their unborn child’s skin tone.
Prince Harry has spoken about the joys fatherhood has brought him
(Image: Instagram)
However, sources claim that what really upset William were the allegations in Harry’s book ‘Spare’, including a physical altercation between the brothers due to Harry’s relationship with Meghan. The Royal Family has expressed sympathy but noted “Recollections may vary”, while firmly denying any accusations of racism. A source from the US mentioned, “As far as Harry is concerned, he is getting on with his life. There is no sign of relations thawing and the Prince still feels he is owed an apology from his family for the way he and Meghan were treated. Meghan just wants him to move on and be happy.” Prince Harry is gearing up for a modest celebration at his luxurious Montecito home as he turns 40, sharing his life with Meghan Markle, aged 43, their little ones Archie and Lilibet. “The best gift I have ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids,” he remarked earlier this week. “I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad.”
Prince Harry has spoken about being a dad to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
(Image: Netflix)
On the cards for Sunday is an intimate bash with near and dear ones encircling Harry. Post celebrations, he’s organising a rugged “lads’ getaway” to the mountains with his tight-knit circle of pals. Over the last ten years, Harry has embraced both love and fatherhood, yet it hasn’t come without significant personal sacrifices. Having lost touch with his family, waved goodbye to his esteemed military honours, and weathered public scrutiny over squabbles within the Royal Family and clashes with the UK government, his once-shining reputation has taken several hits. Nonetheless, Harry seems undeterred by the storms of controversy and critique; as he steps into his forties, the Duke is poised to pursue his fervent interests and ventures with spirited vigour. Through his Archewell Foundation, he has achieved international outreach, including meaningful visits to Colombia and Nigeria, plus the initiative of The Parents’ Network, which provides a lifeline to families dealing with the aftermath of online abuse and trauma affecting their children.
Harry and Meghan met in 2016 and married in 2018
(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
This year also marked a decade since the launch of The Invictus Games, Harry’s heartfelt project supporting injured and ill service personnel and veterans, which was commemorated at a service in St Paul’s Cathedral. He was also recognised with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards for his unwavering commitment to the Games and has revealed the next instalment in his Netflix deal, a behind-the-scenes look at polo, often referred to as the sport of kings. It’s evident that the Duke of Sussex has no intention of disappearing from the public eye. Perhaps it’s quite fitting. After all, they do say life begins at 40.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnMeghan MarklePrince HarryPrince WilliamRoyal FamilyKing Charles IIIPrince ArchiePrincess LilibetInvictus Games
