Prince Harry marked his 40th birthday on September 15, and in a surprising show of goodwill, his brother Prince William took to social media to wish him well. However, according to various reports, the royal siblings have not communicated in the past two years, making this public acknowledgment the first from an official royal account since 2021.
Agence France-Presse noted that Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from royal obligations and moved to Montecito, California, in 2020. This decision seems to have intensified the already strained relations between Harry and the British royal family.
The bond between William and Harry has undergone significant changes over the years. Following the tragic death of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, the brothers became closely united. However, it appears that they have been out of touch for the past two years. During Harry’s recent trip to England in August for Lord Fellowes’ funeral, interactions between him and William were minimal.
On Harry’s birthday, William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, shared a post on their official X account that read: “Happy 40th birthday to the Duke of Sussex!” This acknowledgment included a shared message from the royal family’s account featuring a cheerful photo of Harry alongside a birthday cake emoji.
Sky News reported that Harry celebrated his milestone with family and friends at their home in Montecito. He expressed his excitement about turning 40, emphasizing that while age may change, his commitment to making a positive impact remains steadfast.
Harry looks forward to the upcoming decade with enthusiasm and is eager to pursue his passions. He also shared the joy of being a father to two “very nice and funny kids,” stating that parenthood has sharpened his focus on his various pursuits. He concluded his statement by expressing an eagerness to embrace the next ten years ahead.
Additionally, prior reports indicate that reaching the age of 40 could mean an inheritance of an estate valued at £8 million (around $10.5 million) from his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, which would be tax-free.
