Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, said he was excited about turning 40 this weekend. Harry reflected on the milestone, comparing it to how he felt about his 30th birthday. Speaking to the BBC, he said, "I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40," adding, "Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world."
The prince said he planned to celebrate his birthday on Sunday with his family in California, followed by a break with a group of close friends. Reflecting on his personal life, he emphasized the significance of his children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
"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," he said through a spokesperson. "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."
The past decade has been marked by considerable change and turbulence for Prince Harry. He turned 30 in 2014, a year after returning from his second tour in Afghanistan with the British army. In his memoir, Harry revealed that he had been "going through a bad moment" following his return, experiencing periods of lethargy and "terrifying panic attacks." That same year, he founded the Invictus Games, an initiative inspired by witnessing the toll of war and feeling that the public wasn’t fully aware of its realities.
In 2016, Prince Harry met Meghan Markle, and in 2020, they relocated from the UK to California, stepping back from their roles as working royals. His relationship with the royal family has since become strained, with little indication of reconciliation. Despite rumors in recent weeks suggesting Harry might consider a permanent return to the UK, those close to him say he is content and settled in California. However, it’s understood he wishes to spend more time in the UK supporting the organizations he’s involved with, though security concerns remain a significant hurdle.
The prince continues to face a legal dispute with the Home Office over the level of police protection he receives when in the UK. In May, he made a solo trip to London to work with several charities, reportedly turning down an offer to stay at a royal residence, believing it would compromise his safety. Nevertheless, Harry is likely to feel the pull of the UK in the years to come.