‘Was anxious for 30, but excited about 40,’ says Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is feeling excited about turning 40 this weekend. In a statement to the BBC, he said, “I was anxious about turning 30, but I’m excited about 40.”
He added that his goal is to continue doing good in the world regardless of age. Harry plans to celebrate his birthday on Sunday with his family in California, followed by a trip with some of his closest friends.
The prince also shared how important his children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, are to him. He said being a father has given him a new outlook on life and made him more focused on his work. “Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys,” he said, and it has only strengthened his commitment to making the world a better place.
The last decade has been full of change for Prince Harry. When he turned 30 in 2014, he had just returned from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He later revealed that he struggled after returning, feeling lethargic and experiencing panic attacks.
That same year, he founded the Invictus Games, inspired by his experiences in the military and wanting to raise awareness about the impact of war. Around this time, he also split from his then-girlfriend, Cressida Bonas.
In 2016, Prince Harry met Meghan Markle, and in 2020, they moved to California, leaving behind royal duties in the UK. Their relationship with the royal family has been strained, and there are no signs of reconciliation.
Though there were rumours that Harry might move back to the UK, sources close to him told the BBC that he’s happy in California. He still wants to spend more time in the UK to support the causes he cares about, but security issues remain a concern. In May, Harry visited London for charity work but declined to stay in a royal residence, fearing it might compromise his safety.
The Invictus Games, which began in 2014, remain a passion project for Harry. It’s set to return to the UK in 2027 when Birmingham hosts the Games. According to Dominic Reid, the outgoing CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, Harry considers the event very important, calling it his “first child.”
As he approaches 40, Prince Harry seems to be in a positive state of mind, ending his statement to the BBC with a hopeful message, “Bring on the next decade.”
He added that his goal is to continue doing good in the world regardless of age. Harry plans to celebrate his birthday on Sunday with his family in California, followed by a trip with some of his closest friends.
The prince also shared how important his children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, are to him. He said being a father has given him a new outlook on life and made him more focused on his work. “Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys,” he said, and it has only strengthened his commitment to making the world a better place.
The last decade has been full of change for Prince Harry. When he turned 30 in 2014, he had just returned from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He later revealed that he struggled after returning, feeling lethargic and experiencing panic attacks.
That same year, he founded the Invictus Games, inspired by his experiences in the military and wanting to raise awareness about the impact of war. Around this time, he also split from his then-girlfriend, Cressida Bonas.
In 2016, Prince Harry met Meghan Markle, and in 2020, they moved to California, leaving behind royal duties in the UK. Their relationship with the royal family has been strained, and there are no signs of reconciliation.
Though there were rumours that Harry might move back to the UK, sources close to him told the BBC that he’s happy in California. He still wants to spend more time in the UK to support the causes he cares about, but security issues remain a concern. In May, Harry visited London for charity work but declined to stay in a royal residence, fearing it might compromise his safety.
The Invictus Games, which began in 2014, remain a passion project for Harry. It’s set to return to the UK in 2027 when Birmingham hosts the Games. According to Dominic Reid, the outgoing CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation, Harry considers the event very important, calling it his “first child.”
As he approaches 40, Prince Harry seems to be in a positive state of mind, ending his statement to the BBC with a hopeful message, “Bring on the next decade.”
