Prince Harry Just Released a Statement Days Before His 40th Birthday

As Prince Harry is about to embark upon a new decade, he decided to release a statement to the BBC documenting his feelings about turning 40. Yesterday, in the royal's brand-new statement, he started by saying, “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40.”

In his message delivered by a royal spokesperson, the Duke of Sussex discussed getting older, but also gushed about his two children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3. “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.”

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The royal plans to spend his birthday celebrating with family in California this upcoming Sunday and then will depart on a break to enjoy time with friends.

Forty is a huge landmark for the Duke , especially considering his mother's passing at the age of 36. And within the last decade, much has changed for Harry. His thirties were quite the whirlwind: a return from duty in Afghanistan, residual trauma and panic attacks from his time in the military, new endeavors embarked upon like the Invictus Games , a split from his then-girlfriend Cressida Bonas, a beautiful marriage to Meghan Markle , two children, a massive move to California, the launch of the Archewell Foundation , a step back from royal duties and estrangement from his father, King Charles , and brother, Prince William .

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As for what's next? Though there is no official confirmation that Harry will be back in the U.K., it's possible he may cross paths with both Charles and William when he returns for the 2027 Invictus Games which are set to be held in Birmingham. According to the BBC , Dominic Reid, the outgoing chief executive of the Invictus Games Foundation, said that Harry “described [ the Invictus Games ] to me as his first child. It is a very important thing and he is totally committed." So, a return to the U.K. for the occasion seems more than likely.

Despite the highs and lows, Prince Harry is looking forward to turning another year older, saying “bring on the next decade.”

We’re wishing Prince Harry a very happy birthday and can’t wait to see what the big 4-0 has in store for him!

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