Prince Harry is celebrating privately, with his wife and children, in Montecito in California as he has turned 40-years-old.
A social media post from Buckingham Palace wishing him “a very happy 40th birthday", with the same message being reposted by the accounts of the Prince and Princess of Wales. the Kensington Palace social media channels shared a public message to Harry.
It read: "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!" In a statement from his spokesperson, Prince Harry said: "Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world".
He also spoke about the importance 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 in the statemen.
"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 10 years have been a turbulent time for the Duke, filled with significant change.
Only working royals usually get birthday wishes on official platforms, with the last time Prince Harry received a public birthday message from the official Royal family account coming in 2021 when Queen Elizabeth II was still alive. The Prince and Princess of Wales' account last publicly sent him birthday wishes in the same year.
Over the last decade, Harry – the fifth in line to the throne - and wife, Meghan, have left their roles as senior royals and relocated to the US in search of financial independence and personal freedom. Now settled in the star-studded neighbourhood of Montecito, California, they've carved out a new existence with their young children.
He turned 30 in 2014, the year after returning from his second tour with the British army in Afghanistan. "I was anxious about 30,” he said, “but I was 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. Bring on the next decade."
He will, however, feel the pull of the UK strongly in the years ahead. The Invictus Games for injured servicemen and women was Prince Harry’s vision when it began 10 years ago in London and it remains a personal passion, especially with it returning to the UK in 2027- when Birmingham hosts the Games.
The Duke of Sussex turned 30 in 2014, the year after returning from his second tour with the British army in Afghanistan.
