Prince William and Kate send shock birthday message to Prince Harry

Prince Harry with Prince Williams and Kate Middleton in 2016.
-Credit: (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)


Prince Harry has received unexpected birthday messages fom his estranged families in honour of his 40th birthday. Kensington Palace sent the message via their official social media channels for the Duke of Sussex, who is celebrating his birthday in California with wife Meghan Markle and their two children Archie and Lilibet.

The simple message read: "Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!" This comes as something of a surprise given that typically only serving royals receive birthday acknowledgements on these official accounts.

In recent years, public recognition of Prince Harry's birthday by the Royal Family has notably subsided with the last acknowledgment via their social media being in 2021. Following Harry and Meghan Markle's exit from their senior Royal roles in 2020 and a move to America, reports of a strained relationship and rift among the royal family grew.

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This friction only intensified with Prince Harry's candid Netflix documentary series in 2022 and the release of his contentious autobiography 'Spare'. Prince William and Harry reportedly did not speak at a recent funeral they both attended.

Reports have also emerged suggesting that Prince Harry and his father, Prince Charles, are no longer on speaking terms, with one particular issue exacerbating their estrangement. Insiders close to the Sussexes allege that Harry's attempts to discuss his security arrangements with his father are being ignored.

The Duke has been embroiled in a protracted dispute over his security when visiting the UK, having lost his entitlement to police protection upon stepping down as a working Royal.

Over the last decade, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have experienced significant changes, stepping back from their Royal duties and relocating to the US in search of financial independence and personal freedom.

Talking about his birthday to the BBC, Harry said: "I was anxious about 30, I'm excited about 40. 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.

"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. Bring on the next decade."