As Prince Harry prepares to mark his 40th birthday on Sunday, September 15, he is planning a more intimate celebration with his family and close friends, largely shaped by past events and health concerns surrounding his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton.
The Duke of Sussex, now settled in California with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, will celebrate the milestone with family time at their Montecito home before embarking on a private getaway with close friends.
According to Mirror, Meghan will not be joining him on this trip but will instead stay at home with their children.
This year's celebration presents a stark contrast to his life a decade ago when he turned 30. At the time, Harry was still a working royal, unmarried, and close to his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law Kate, now the Princess of Wales.
In 2014, William and Kate had planned a small family dinner at Kensington Palace to celebrate Harry’s 30th birthday. The guest list included family members such as Princess Beatrice, Eugenie, and Zara Tindall, along with some of his close friends.
However, the event was abruptly cancelled due to Kate's health. At the time, she was pregnant with Princess Charlotte and suffering from severe morning sickness, a condition that had already forced her to withdraw from several royal engagements. Out of respect for his sister-in-law’s condition, Harry decided to postpone the party.
An insider, speaking to Mirror in 2014, said: "Harry was in no doubt that the party should be postponed, even though 30 is an important milestone. Kate had been very involved in organising Harry's party, and once she fell ill, he felt it wrong to let the event go ahead."
Though the original celebration did not take place as planned, the party was eventually held at Clarence House, with King Charles sending champagne for the guests. Harry has since reflected on how his life has changed over the past decade, with fatherhood being his greatest source of happiness.
Speaking to PEOPLE ahead of his upcoming birthday, Harry said, "The best gift I've ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad."
