Does Prince Harry Want to Return to the Monarchy? Answers to That Burning Question (and More) on Harry’s 40th Birthday

Happy Birthday to Prince Harry—the Duke of Sussex is officially “over the hill” as they say, toasting the big 4-0 on September 15 and entering a brand-new decade, thousands of miles away from his royal life in the U.K. According to reports , he’s set to celebrate the milestone occasion with close friends and family (including his wife, Meghan Markle, and two kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet) in Montecito followed by a getaway with close friends; then it’s off to New York City on September 22 for U.N. General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week, where he’ll participate in several high-profile events .

But Harry’s brother Prince William also has an event for the Earthshot Prize in New York City that overlaps with Harry’s travel dates (as of right now, William is still not confirmed to attend). And simultaneously, a report in the Mail on Sunday asserts that Harry has been reaching out to former royal aides and friends as he seeks a way back into the royal fold. Still, Harry seems happy and settled in his new (and U.S.-based) life.

So, is there any merit to the royal rumors? Is Prince Harry still pushing for a hybrid role? Here’s where things stand for the Duke of Sussex as he turns 40.

1. Prince Harry Is Not Interested in a Return to Royal Life at This Time

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Numerous sources—including Roya Nikkah and Kate Mansey, royal reporters for Times UK , who recently discussed the coverage surrounding “Operation Bring Harry in From the Cold” on their podcast —vehemently debunked the claims that Harry is bored with his new life in America and wants to come home. As they put it, a return to royal life is not even wishful thinking as he enters a new decade. “I think he likes coming back for the occasional charity gig, I think he enjoyed his trip back here for the Invictus Games anniversary, but I don’t get the sense having spoken to a lot of his friends that he’s looking for some sort of grand blueprint to come back,” Nikkah says.

What is front and center for Harry is a genuine and passionate push to have his security reinstated. Currently, his automatic right to police-sanctioned protection in the U.K. has been removed—a fight that has been playing out in the courts for years now. (In fact, many cite this ongoing legal battle as the real reason for the continued rift between Harry and his father, King Charles, who Harry believes could swoop in and reinstate his security , given his role as monarch.)

Getting his security back would allow Harry to maintain his charitable ties in the U.K. and return as needed without an issue—but that’s separate than him desperately seeking a hybrid role.

2. The Likelihood of a Royal Reunion with His Brother Prince William Is Slim

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As Harry turns 40, his relationship with his brother Prince William, post royal exit and post- Spare , is still unresolved. It’s true that there’s potential for the pair to overlap in a couple of weeks in New York City (again, William isn’t currently slated to make the trip), but judging from Harry’s recent and surprise appearance at his late uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’ memorial service, the likelihood of the pair catching up over a pint is non-existent—and, frankly, a pipe dream. Reports surrounding their dual attendance at their late uncle’s funeral confirm that, while William and Harry both showed up to support their late mother Princess Diana’s sister, Jane Fellowes, as she mourned the loss of her spouse, they arrived separately, sat apart from each other and didn’t speak.

That said, if there is potential for the brothers to reunite, many suggest that it will come via the Spencer family, who have long supported both brothers since the tragic passing of their mother in 1997. One additional glimmer that’s being reported is that Prince Harry will not be updating the paperback edition of Spare , which is set to be released in October this year. (Security is said to be one part of the continued family friction, but so is the lack of trust as Harry continues to speak to the press about family relations, according to reports .)

3. At 40, Harry Continues to Carve His Own Path—But Also Take a Cue from Diana

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There was something striking about Harry’s recent trip in August to Colombia , alongside his wife Meghan Markle. It felt very Princess Diana, post-divorce—when, despite loads of criticism prior to her death, she sought to carve out a new (and humanitarian) role for herself. At the start of 1997, Diana famously walked through an active landmine in Angola to bring attention to a push for an international ban on landmines; she visited Pakistan, New York City and South Africa, too, while at the same time popping up at glittering events like a gala in honor of the Tate Gallery’s Centenary in London. (Ahem, Harry and Meghan joined Oprah just this week as she helped celebrate the opening of Godmothers, a new bookstore located close to the Sussexes’ California home.) Diana also prioritized loads of private time with her kids as she embarked on her post-royal life (at that same event, Meghan was caught dashing off early with the explanation, “I’ve got to make dinner for my kids”) and was long-rumored to have an interest in relocating to California.

Harry’s Diana-inspired and non-royal undertakings continue to unfold and there’s quite a bit on the horizon: From the Invictus Games (which is headed to Vancouver and Whistler next in 2025, then back to the U.K. in 2027) to his upcoming polo docuseries with Netflix , which debuts in December this year. His work for the Archewell Foundation also continues (alongside Meghan, he recently launched the Parents’ Network ) and it’s clear that he’s most happy devoting time to raising his kids .

Just this week he released a statement to the BBC about his perspective on entering a new decade: “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40,” Harry said. “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”

As for his relationship to his family and his former life in the U.K., that’s something we’ll have to see play out.

Prince Harry Recently Made a Surprise U.K. Visit—& He Stayed at Princess Diana’s Childhood Home