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In a surprising gesture amid ongoing tensions, the British royal family publicly acknowledged Prince Harry's 40th birthday on September 15, 2024. King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales, shared birthday greetings on social media, marking the first such public recognition since 2021.
The official Royal Family X account posted early in the day: "Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!" accompanied by a photo of a smiling Harry from 2018. Prince William and Kate Middleton's account later shared a similar message, stating: "Wishing a happy 40th birthday to the Duke of Sussex!"
These public birthday wishes come at a time of strained relationships within the royal family. According to royal correspondent Jennie Bond, "The fact that both the King and Prince William have publicly acknowledged Harry's milestone birthday could be seen as an olive branch. It's a small but significant step towards reconciliation."
Sources close to the situation report that King Charles plans to reach out to Harry personally via video call. A palace insider informed the Sunday Express, "There is still a lot of love between father and son. They tend to use Skype when they communicate because they can see each other."
However, the rift between Harry and his brother William remains deep. The Mirror quoted a source saying, "William and Harry don't even speak. Before, they always celebrated major milestones together, but there will be no transatlantic call between the two on Harry's big day."
The Duke of Sussex is expected to mark his birthday privately in Montecito, California, where he resides with his wife Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet. Reports suggest he may also enjoy a weekend getaway with close friends.
Reflecting on turning 40, Harry recently told the BBC, "I was anxious about 30, I'm excited about 40." He added, "Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world."
The milestone comes after a tumultuous period for the royal family, including Harry and Meghan's departure from official duties in 2020 and the publication of Harry's memoir "Spare" in 2023, which further strained familial relationships.
Despite the tensions, royal commentator Victoria Arbiter notes, "These birthday wishes, however brief, signal that the door remains open for reconciliation. It's a reminder that family bonds can endure even the most challenging circumstances."
As Prince Harry enters his fifth decade, the royal family's gestures on his birthday may offer a glimmer of hope for improved relations in the future.
