Prince William 'won't call' on Harry's milestone birthday amid 'gaping chasm'

Prince Harry is gearing up to celebrate his 40th birthday with a sense of excitement, a stark contrast to the trepidation he felt a decade ago. Reflecting on his journey and the joy of fatherhood, the Duke of Sussex shared: "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."

While Harry plans to spend his special day with family in California, it's understood that King Charles will be phoning to convey his best wishes. However, the Mirror has learned that Prince William is not expected to acknowledge the occasion, underscoring the deep rift that remains between the siblings.

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The last encounter between the brothers was at a memorial service for their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes two weeks prior, where they did not exchange a single word despite their close proximity. A source revealed to the Mirror the poignant contrast with Harry's 30th birthday, saying: "What a difference the years have brought. When Harry turned 30, it looked like nothing could come between him and his brother. Together, they were set to become the new face of the royals, injecting a much needed modernisation of The Firm.

"But now, William and Harry don't even speak. Before, they always celebrated major milestones together but there will be no transatlantic call between to the two on Harry's big day."

During Prince Harry's momentous 30th, a high-spirited black-tie affair was the highlight at Clarence House, with Prince William in attendance. At that time, a country retreat and the companionship of a dog were firmly on young Harrys wish list, reports the Mirror.

Having recently ended things with his then-girlfriend Cressida Bonas, Harry was on the lookout for someone with whom he could settle. The nation watched as he often made appearances as the third wheel next to Prince William and Kate, both aged 42, longing for him to find a partner to share his life.

Harry, still deeply enmeshed in Royal duties with his titles and family ties strong, was reported to have dialled back birthday festivities because Duchess Kate was grappling with acute morning sickness during her pregnancy with Princess Charlotte.

The trio exuded closeness back then, but fast-forward ten years, and the Duke is charting an independent course far from Buckingham Palace, distanced from his titles and kin.

The rift reportedly began shortly after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to California and gave a bombshell interview to US talk show host Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, Meghan revealed that she had approached Harry and the Royal Family for help with suicidal thoughts during her pregnancy.

"I just didn't want to be alive any more," she confessed. "And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. And I remember I remember how he just cradled me."

Meghan also claimed that when she asked a senior Royal about seeking help, she was told it wouldn't be possible as it "wouldn't be good for the institution". Furthermore, Harry alleged that while Meghan was pregnant, a family member expressed "concerns" about their baby's skin colour.

However, insiders suggest that the final straw for Prince William were allegations made in Harry's memoir, Spare, including claims of physical fights over Harry's relationship with Meghan. The Royal Family responded with empathy, but also with the now infamous phrase: "Recollections may vary."

The royals have consistently denied any racism. A source from the US commented: "As far as Harry is concerned, he is getting on with his life. There is no sign of relations thawing and the Prince still feels he is owed an apology from his family for the way he and Meghan were treated. Meghan just wants him to move on and be happy."

Prince Harry is set to mark his 40th birthday with an intimate celebration at his luxurious Montecito home, surrounded by his loved ones, including wife Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. "The best gift I have ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids," he recently said.

"I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad."

Following the private gathering, Harry has planned a weekend retreat with a small group of close friends in the mountains. However, it is unclear whether his brother William will be in attendance.

Over the past decade, Harry has experienced significant personal milestones, including finding love and becoming a father. Nevertheless, these achievements have come at a considerable cost, including strained family relationships, the loss of his cherished military titles, and a tarnished public image due to his highly publicized feud with the Royal Family and the UK government.

Despite the challenges and criticism, Harry appears resolute in his determination to move forward. As he reaches this milestone birthday, the Duke of Sussex is looking to the future with renewed energy and a focus on his passions and projects.

His Archewell Foundation has expanded its global reach, with notable visits to Colombia and Nigeria, and the launch of The Parents' Network, which provides support to families affected by social media abuse and trauma. This year marked a decade since the inception of The Invictus Games, Prince Harry's initiative to support wounded and sick service personnel and veterans, commemorated at a service in St Paul's Cathedral.

The Duke of Sussex was also recognised with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards for his commitment to the Games and has unveiled the next instalment in his Netflix deal - a behind-the-scenes look at polo, often referred to as the sport of kings.

It's evident that Harry isn't planning on disappearing from the public eye anytime soon. Perhaps it's fitting. After all, they do say life begins at 40.