Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in a life that has seen profound changes and personal growth. In a candid statement to the BBC, Harry reflected on his journey, admitting to feeling anxious about turning 30 but expressing excitement for this new chapter. “Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys,” he shared, describing his children, Prince Archie (5) and Princess Lilibet (3), as “incredibly kind and funny.” Fatherhood, he revealed, has not only given him a fresh perspective on life but also sharpened his focus on his work.
The prince, now residing in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, has come a long way from his days as a working royal. Their decision to step down from their royal duties in 2020 sent shockwaves through the world and marked a turning point in Harry’s life. This move, while challenging, allowed him to embrace a new path, one where he could prioritize his family and pursue his own passions.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena on April 24, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Harry and Meghan have largely shielded their children from the public eye, offering only occasional glimpses into their family life. However, their Netflix documentary provided a heartwarming look at their roles as parents, with Harry sharing his insights on fatherhood. “All of it,” he said when asked what he loved most about being a dad. “The chaos, the learning, the reminder of just every element of yourself, your soul.” He went on to explain that parenthood helps you reconnect with your true self, preventing you from getting caught up in the distractions of life.
The year after returning from his second tour in Afghanistan, Prince Harry turned 30. Just two years later, he met and fell in love with Meghan Markle, culminating in their fairytale wedding in 2018. This period of joy, however, was juxtaposed with a growing rift within the royal family, a situation that has yet to fully heal. While Prince William, Harry’s brother, focuses on supporting his wife, Kate Middleton, through her cancer treatment, Harry’s relationship with his family remains complex.
A short visit to his father, King Charles, earlier this year, following the King’s own cancer diagnosis, highlighted the strained family dynamics. Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” provided a raw and honest account of his experiences, exposing the fractured relationships within the royal family. The book delved into his grief over the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, at the tender age of 12, a tragedy that continues to shape his life.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex at the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, in the Netherlands
In a poignant reflection on grief, Harry questioned the pressure to present a brave face and move on quickly from loss. “Do you convince yourself that the person that you’ve lost wants you to be sad for as long as possible to prove to them that they’re missed?” he asked. “Then there’s this realization of no, they really want, they must want me to be happy.”
The image of Harry and William, two young boys walking behind their mother’s coffin, remains etched in the world’s collective memory. “She was our mom, she still is our mom,” Harry shared, emphasizing the enduring bond with his mother. His close relationship with Diana’s family, who showed their support at a service marking 10 years of the Invictus Games in London, underscores the importance of family, both blood and chosen.
Looking ahead to the next decade, Prince Harry exudes optimism, embracing the future with a resounding, “Bring it on!” While his birthday plans include celebrating with close friends and family at his home in Montecito, California, followed by a trip with friends, the world waits to see if there will be public well wishes from the royal family.
As Prince Harry embarks on this new chapter, he does so with a newfound sense of self and purpose. His journey, marked by both joy and adversity, has shaped him into the man he is today: a dedicated husband, a loving father, and a passionate advocate for causes close to his heart.
