Prince Harry to celebrate 40th with friends getaway, Meghan stays home
Prince Harry's 40th: family party, friends getaway, Meghan stays with kids
Prince Harry plans to celebrate his 40th birthday with a holiday alongside his closest friends, while Meghan Markle stays at home with their children, according to reports.
The Duke of Sussex will embark on this trip following a family birthday party at their £11 million Montecito residence in California.
A report indicated that Harry will “enjoy a weekend getaway with a few of his closest mates.” Meghan will remain in California with their children, Archie, aged five, and three-year-old Lilibet.
Prince Harry's 40th birthday plans with Meghan and their children revealed – exclusive https://t.co/dmuBATBFRd
— HELLO! (@hellomag) September 10, 2024
In 2012, Harry was seen partying with friends in Las Vegas, including inside a secure VIP bungalow at a resort in Nevada. Photos from that time showed him being hugged by a barely clothed woman, causing embarrassment for the royal family and raising security concerns.
These new travel plans come a decade after Harry celebrated his 30th birthday with his brother Prince William, Princess Catherine, and other friends in the UK. The once-close brothers have since become estranged, following criticisms Harry voiced in his book “Spare.”
Friends of Prince Harry have recently expressed concerns about his happiness in the US. One friend mentioned to *The Times* that they occasionally receive WhatsApp messages from him, describing him as “an angry boy” whose life hasn’t turned out as he expected.
Sources within Harry’s circle claim he enjoys solo trips to the UK, while Meghan prefers to stay away from the country. His 40th birthday is this Sunday, and he recently expressed that his children are his greatest joy.
Ahead of his birthday, Harry emailed *People* magazine, stating, “The best gift I’ve ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad.” The publication, close to the Sussexes, reported that Harry is now focused on enjoying life with his family and working through the Archewell Foundation and an upcoming Netflix documentary, *Polo*, set for release in December.
Harry will celebrate his birthday with Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet in a low-key manner at their Montecito mansion. This will be followed by a gathering with close friends, with a report indicating a “weekend getaway” in the mountains with his closest friends.
Later this month, Harry will embark on a solo trip to New York City to advance his patronages and philanthropic initiatives. This visit coincides with the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week and Climate Week.
Harry’s 40th birthday celebrations will contrast sharply with his 30th, when William hosted a black-tie party at Clarence House, with thirty friends toasting with Highgrove champagne sent by their father, Charles.
Last month, William and Harry both attended the funeral of their uncle, Robert Fellowes, marking their first joint appearance since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. The brothers have had limited contact since Harry and Meghan moved to the US and stepped back from royal duties.
The rift between them worsened after the release of Harry’s memoir, which included accusations against his family, such as William calling Meghan “difficult,” “rude,” and “abrasive,” and allegedly pushing Harry into a dog bowl.
Harry last visited the UK in May for a service at St Paul’s Cathedral marking ten years of the Invictus Games. He also returned in February to see his father, King Charles III, who is battling an unspecified form of cancer, but did not visit him while in London.
What Other Media Are Saying
- OK Magazine reports Prince Harry’s 40th birthday celebration will be intimate with close friends in Montecito, focusing on family and priorities.(read more)
- The Mirror reports that Prince Harry is planning a big getaway birthday bash with his “closest mates” but not his wife Meghan Markle, who will stay behind with their children.(read more)
- Scottish Daily Express reports that Prince Harry is preparing for his 40th birthday with a family celebration and a solo outdoor adventure in the California mountains.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Where is Prince Harry celebrating his 40th birthday?
Prince Harry will celebrate at his California home in Montecito and then go on a getaway with friends.
Will Meghan Markle join Prince Harry on his birthday trip?
No, Meghan will stay in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
What did Prince Harry say about his children in his email to People magazine?
Harry considers his children, Archie and Lilibet, the ‘best gift’ he has ever received.
Why did Prince Harry’s 2012 Las Vegas trip cause controversy?
Naked photos of Harry with a barely clothed woman were published, raising security concerns.
Are Prince Harry and Prince William on good terms?
No, they have barely spoken since Harry left the UK and published his memoir.