For the first time in three years, the Royal Family publicly extended birthday wishes to Prince Harry as he celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday.
The message, posted on the official Royal Family X account, read, “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”
Accompanying the message was a photograph of Harry from his 2018 visit to Dublin, Ireland, when he was still a working royal.
🎂 Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today! pic.twitter.com/sAlSiV9EaZ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 15, 2024
This marks a shift in the Royal Family’s approach since they had not publicly acknowledged Harry’s birthday following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.
Last year, the family adhered to a new protocol under King Charles III, limiting social media posts to working royals only. Notably, Meghan Markle’s birthday on August 4 was not publicly recognized by the family.
Despite the public birthday message, reports suggest that Harry’s family members, including King Charles and the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, are expected to reach out to him privately with phone calls.
However, Prince William is unlikely to contact his brother, as tensions between the siblings remain unresolved.
The brothers recently crossed paths at the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, on August 28, with sources noting that Harry attended in a “personal capacity” and departed shortly after the service.
In celebration of his milestone birthday, Prince Harry is also expected to receive an $8.5 million cash bonus from arrangements made by his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Meghan Markle is organizing a star-studded birthday bash for him in Montecito, California.
Following the celebration, Harry will travel to New York City to promote his philanthropic initiatives during the UN General Assembly High-level Week and Climate Week.
