Royal Family Sends First Public Birthday Wishes to Prince Harry in Three Years as He Turns 40

The Royal Family publicly wished Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday for the first time in three years, marking the occasion on social media.

Prince Harry has turned 40 years old. Credit Dan Charity - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022, Harry hadn’t received a birthday message from the Royal Family's official accounts. Fans were thrilled to see his milestone acknowledged once again.

Prince Harry, father to Archie and Lilibet, celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday, September 15. The Royal Family’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shared a birthday cake emoji along with the message: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” Accompanying the post was a 2018 photo of Harry smiling during a visit to DogPatch Labs in Dublin, Ireland, while he was still a working royal.

This marks the first time Harry's birthday has been recognized publicly by the Royal Family since King Charles III introduced a new social media protocol. After ascending the throne, Charles limited posts to focus solely on working members of the Royal Family, which led to Harry's birthday being missed last year.

According to reports, Harry will likely receive personal birthday wishes from family members as well. A source told the New York Post that Charles and Kate Middleton are expected to reach out with birthday wishes. However, the insider suggested it’s uncertain whether Prince William will join the call, given ongoing tensions between the brothers.

Things are allegedly still fraught between Harry and William. Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Harry’s strained relationship with his family has been well-documented, particularly after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, relocated to the U.S. and stepped back from royal duties. 

Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, has a star-studded party planned for him, according to reports. Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

Harry has expressed concerns about his family's safety due to intense media scrutiny. His memoir, Spare, further strained relations, particularly with his older brother, William, as it detailed their personal conflicts.

Despite the familial tension, Harry’s birthday weekend is set to be festive. Meghan has reportedly planned a star-studded celebration in Montecito, where the couple resides. Following the birthday celebrations, Harry is expected to travel to New York to support his philanthropic efforts, with his trip coinciding with the UN General Assembly High-level Week and Climate Week.

In addition to his birthday festivities, Harry is expected to receive an $8.5 million inheritance as part of financial arrangements made by his late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.