Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is turning 40 on Sunday, and he’s planning to celebrate this milestone privately with his wife Meghan Markle and their two young children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, at their home in Montecito. Following the family celebration, Harry is expected to embark on a ‘lads’ getaway with some close friends, while Meghan, 43, will stay behind to look after the children, according to The Mirror.
In a recent statement to BBC News, Harry shared his feelings about turning 40, saying, “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40. […] Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”
This birthday celebration echoes a similar pattern from his 30th birthday. For that occasion, his brother William and sister-in-law Kate had planned an intimate dinner with royal cousins Princesses Beatrice, Eugenie, and Zara Tindall, along with close friends, to be held at Kensington Palace. However, Princess Kate, who was pregnant with her second child, Princess Charlotte, was dealing with Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of morning sickness.
Considering Kate’s health, Harry decided to postpone the celebration to ensure she could be present. Harry has referred to Kate as ‘the sister I’ve never had’ in his memoir Spare, highlighting their close bond.
While reports initially suggested the 30th birthday party was postponed, another source, Vanity Fair, later reported that the party did go ahead.
According to The Sun, after celebrating his actual birthday with family, Harry will embark on a trip with some of his ‘closest pals,’ while Meghan stays home with their children. Although the exact location of the trip has not been revealed, PEOPLE magazine reported that Harry will have a ‘gathering of close friends from around the world.’ Among his close circle is polo-playing friend Nacho Figueras.
