PRINCE Harry has revealed his ‘mission’ ahead of his 40th birthday, admitting anxiety over previous celebrations.
As Harry gears up to celebrate his landmark birthday this weekend, he has opened up about the milestone and his children.
The royal shared his feelings after admitting to feeling “anxious” turning 30.
In a statement to the BBC, Harry said: “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40.
“Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”
The Prince also shared his thoughts on being dad to Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
He said: “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.”
He described fatherhood as “one of life’s greatest joys” and said it has “only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place”.
The Duke of Sussex will celebrate his birthday this weekend with a family gathering at the Sussex’s Montecito mansion before heading off on a “lads holiday”.
Meghan Markle will not be joining him for “a weekend getaway with a few of his closest mates” to see in his milestone birthday, The Sun revealed.
The Duchess is said to be staying in California with their children while Harry enjoys some quality time with close pals.
Harry’s 30s were a decade of transformation, marked by his move from royal life in the UK to California, his marriage to Meghan Markle, and becoming a dad.
In his memoir, Spare, Harry opened up about his struggles with mental health, revealing that he experienced “terrifying panic attacks” after returning from his second tour in Afghanistan.
He said: “I was going through a bad moment”, speaking about his state of mind when he turned 30 in 2014.
Harry founded the Invictus Games that same year, inspired by his time in the army and his desire to support wounded veterans.
The Games will return to the UK in 2027, a prospect that Harry reportedly feels “strongly” about.
As he turns 40, there is speculation that the Prince is considering a return to the UK.
Sources close to him claim that he has been consulting with old friends and former aides, feeling “more and more isolated” in California.
A source told The Sun: “Harry is feeling more and more isolated in California, which is why he has been reconnecting with old friends back home.”
Royal insiders claim that Harry is unhappy with his current life in California, feeling that he has lost his way since stepping back from royal duties.
Friends have noticed the growing tension between Harry and Meghan, with some suggesting that the Duke feels sidelined.
Royal biographer Angela Levin said: “You could say Harry is not even the spare to his wife. He’s almost nothing.”
Despite the challenges, Harry seems optimistic about the future.
He added: “Bring on the next decade.”
Who's on Harry's Birthday list?
Here's a guide to some of the close mates who could join Harry on his lads' holiday.
- Nacho Figueras The Argentinian polo player is a close friend of Harry’s who joined him on his Japan trip last year
- Tom ‘skippy’ Inskip One of Harry’s closest mates
- Charlie van Straubenzee Archies’ godfather and Harry’s former wingman
- JJ Chalmers He appeared alongside Harry in his Invictus Games documentary for Netflix.
- Guy Pelly Childhood friend of Harry’s
- Dave Wiseman Army veteran Dave Wiseman also appeared alongside Harry in his Netflix documentary
- Nicky Scott Harry’s childhood friend Nicky Scott appeared alongside him in the Netflix docuseries about the prince and Meghan.
- Mark Dyer Former Welsh Guards Officer and euerry of the King, Dyer was a mentor to Harry after his mum Diana’s death in 1997