Prince Harry was ‘anxious’ about turning 30, but he is ‘excited’ about 40.
As the Duke of Sussex approaches his 40th birthday this Sunday, he expressed his eagerness for the new decade during a recent BBC interview.
Reflecting on the passage of time, he shared, “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40,” capturing both the weight and the hope that accompany such milestones.
“Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world,” he added, resonating with those searching for purpose.
This special occasion will be marked with warmth, as Harry chooses to celebrate in the idyllic surroundings of Montecito, California, alongside his family. Following this intimate gathering, he plans a joyful escape with close friends.
In the lush coastal enclave of Montecito, Harry shares a home with his spouse, Meghan Markle, and their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The joy of fatherhood has profoundly impacted Harry’s outlook. “Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work,” Harry shared. “Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place.”
Reflecting on the last decade, Harry has faced challenges, especially as he turned 30 in 2014—the year his life took unexpected turns. After returning from a second tour in Afghanistan, he often battled “terrifying panic attacks” and feelings of lethargy, as revealed in his memoir “Spare.”
In the midst of these tumultuous times, he also experienced a personal loss; his relationship with actress Cressida Bonas came to an end shortly before his 30th birthday. Yet, it was during this period of uncertainty that he founded a project close to his heart: the Invictus Games. This initiative, inspired by the Warrior Games in the U.S., celebrates the resilience of wounded veterans.
“I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40.”
His love story with Meghan Markle blossomed when they met in 2016, leading to their marriage in 2018. Together, they built a life focused on compassion and advocacy, yet their departure from royal duties in 2020 added layers of complexity to their family dynamics.
Harry’s bond with his family has encountered considerable strain. Since stepping back, his relationship with his father, King Charles, has dwindled; phone calls have become rare, and physical visits even rarer.
Recent speculations about Harry contemplating a return to the U.K. continue to swirl, yet friends insist he finds happiness in California. Nevertheless, he yearns for connections back home and hopes to manage family visits, albeit with concerns about security overshadowing those aspirations.
After relinquishing his taxpayer-funded protective security status, Harry faces challenges in ensuring his family’s safety during visits to the U.K. Plans to appeal a court ruling regarding personal security reveal the ongoing dilemmas he grapples with—issues that underscore the distance from his father and complicate efforts for reconciliation.
Despite distancing himself from the royal chapter of his life, Prince Harry made a discreet visit back to the U.K. for his uncle’s memorial service at Althorp. This retreat, a return to family roots, echoes an undeniable desire to reconnect.
As Harry steps into 40, one thing remains clear: each passing year brings moments to reflect upon, choices that shape him, and an unwavering commitment to bringing positive change. Balancing familial ties, personal aspirations, and public expectations will undoubtedly be part of this new decade. Yet, with each birthday candle lit, he embodies a spirit filled with hope and determination for the years ahead.
