Prince Harry 'plans to spend 40th birthday without Meghan Markle' as he opts for lads holiday

Prince Harry is organizing a major birthday getaway with his "closest mates" but not Meghan Markle , sources have claimed.

As the Duke of Sussex gears up to celebrate his 40th birthday , reports suggest he is planning a boys' trip to "enjoy a weekend getaway with a few of his closest mates." Harry will be celebrating his birthday on September 15.

It's not yet been revealed where the trip will take place, or if any members of the Royal Family will join Harry. While he is estranged from royals such as his brother Prince William, Harry still enjoys a close relationship with his cousin Princess Eugenie.

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A source suggested that Harry's trip will will come after a family birthday celebration at his Montecito mansion in California. It's believed the family party will involve Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, according to The Sun .

It's yet to be revealed who will join Harry on his holiday trip, but pals he is known to be close with include his polo-playing confidante Nacho Figueras. Ahead of his birthday, the Duke of Sussex has revealed the best gift he ever received.

"The best gift I've ever been given is, without doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day and love being their dad," he told People Magazine .

The publication also insisted that despite recent rumors, Harry has no plans to return to royal duties after stepping down from the Royal Family four years ago. They said he is "happy with his life in Montecito, California" and concentrating on his charity work.

Following his birthday celebrations, Harry will travel to New York for the UN General Assembly High-level Week and Climate Week, which runs from September 22 to September 29. He will be in New York to "advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives," while also promoting causes close to his charity Archewell, which he launched with Meghan in 2020.

During his time in New York, Harry will "participate in engagements with African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst," according to a spokesperson.

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