Prince Harry ‘Excited’ About Turning 40, Admits Fatherhood is His Best Gift

In a statement, Prince Harry shared how “excited” he was about his 40th birthday and details of how previous birthdays made him feel otherwise. Of all his gifts, the Duke of Sussex admits fatherhood has been the best he has ever received and Harry looks forward to the joys this new season of life will bring.

Prince Harry marks this milestone birthday with a newfound attitude

On Sept. 15, Prince Harry will turn 40 years old. It seems like just yesterday, Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles debuted their second son on the steps of the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in London.

Harry reflected on this milestone birthday in a statement to the BBC . He revealed that prior birthdays weren’t as joyful.

“I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40,” the Duke of Sussex said. “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”

Of all the gifts he’s ever received, Harry admits fatherhood has been the best

Prince Harry’s Found His ‘Home Away From Home’ With Princess Diana’s Family

Prince Harry has likely been presented with many gifts in his 40 years as a royal family member. However, he humbly admits that none compare to the life and children he created with his wife, Meghan Markle .

Harry claims, “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. ” The prince said this in a statement released by his spokesperson.

“Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys. It has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place,” the prince concluded. “Bring on the next decade.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first son Prince Archie to the world on May 6, 2019. The couple subsequently added daughter Princess Lilibet to their family on June 4, 2021.

Harry and Meghan raise their children out of the spotlight. However, they have shared sporadic details about their children during public events.

Meghan joyfully spoke of Lilibet during an August 2024 visit to Columbia. In November 2023, she referenced Archie’s love for photography.

Prince Harry’s 30th birthday represented a turning point

In 2014, Prince Harry was at a crossroads. Just 10 years ago, Harry was one year post active duty in Afghanistan.

Also, after dating for three years, Harry and Cressida Bonas ended their relationship. Therefore, Harry needed to do something to shift his focus, which likely led to the “anxious” feeling referenced in his statement about celebrating that particular birthday.

In 2014 Harry founded the Invictus Games, a series of competitions for wounded, injured, and ill service members and veterans. He created the organization to inspire veterans in their recovery efforts via the competition, which supports rehabilitation and recognizes their sacrifices for their respective countries.

Harry was an active senior member of the royal family during his 30s. Midway through, he met Meghan Markle, and they married in 2018. The couple left their royal roles behind in 2020.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly celebrate his 40th birthday at their Montecito, California home .