Today is a big day for Prince Harry, who turns 40 years old. Officially named Henry Charles Albert David, the Duke of Sussex hits this milestone with a special, somewhat unexpected gesture from Buckingham Palace — a birthday message sent out through their official channels.
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“🎂 Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”
While this might seem like a completely innocuous message — after all, it doesn’t offer too much other than an acknowledgement that today is, in fact, Prince Harry’s birthday — it carries a lot more weight, as it’s the first official one since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles in 2020 and started their new lives in California. The palace has even snubbed Harry and Meghan’s kids, staying completely radio silent Prince Archie’s 5th birthday back in May.
This message comes at a time when King Charles III, who is dealing with health issues, reportedly wants to reconnect with his younger son. Rumors have swirled about the King’s desire to make amends , and the fact that Buckingham Palace was the first to send out any messaging (with the palace’s social media accounts run by his staff) is a pretty big deal.
“Charles misses his son,” a source revealed earlier this month. “He still loves Harry and wants him back for personal reasons – regardless that he and Meghan do not [want to] return to royal life. Harry will always be Charles’s much-loved son. He has faith that Harry could return. He misses the bond they once had, and the door will always remain open to him and his family. He does not want years of discord and disharmony clouding his reign.”
Harry is set to receive his $120 million inheritance from his late great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, today. Prince William also received an inheritance on his 40th birthday in 2022. “The Queen Mother knew he would have fewer opportunities and responsibilities,” Kinsey Schofield, To Di For Daily podcast host, explained at the end of July. Despite the family feud, “there will be no tensions as [the family] knew about this arrangement for decades.”
As for Prince Harry’s actual birthday plans, it seems like it is going to be a relatively low-key day. He has plans for a private gathering at his home in Montecito, California, alongside Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
“I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40,” the Duke of Sussex previously told the BBC . “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”
Following his home celebrations, Prince Harry is heading out to New York City for a series of engagements for his and Markle’s philanthropic work, including African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, Travalyst, and The Archewell Foundation, the non-profit he founded with his wife.
“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.” Harry concluded, “Bring on the next decade.”
Are the palace’s and Kate’s reposts of birthday well wishes thought-provoking messages where they pour their hearts out? No. However, considering the wall that has existed for years between Harry and the rest of his family — with King Charles seemingly making small moves hinting at a reconciliation — it seems the big 4-0, along with Charles’s own health issues, is putting everything into perspective.
Before you go, click here to see the best photos of Princess Diana playing with William and Harry. 
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