Royal news live: Kate posts surprise birthday message to Harry days after emotional video on cancer treatment
The Princess of Wales wished the Duke of Sussex a happy 40th birthday in a message on social media days after her emotional cancer comeback video.
William and Kate shared an earlier post from the royal family on X, formerly Twitter, and added their own message, which read: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”
Some will see the post as a surprise move given the unresolved tensions between the brothers.
Their estrangement has shown no sign of abating, with the duke also having a strained relationship with his father, the King.
A post from the royal family account earlier on Sunday marked the first public birthday message for Harry since 2021.
Harry, who lives in California, spent his birthday on Sunday with the Duchess of Sussex and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
He is then said to be heading away for a gathering with close friends.
Key Points
Kate releases deeply moving video as she announces completion of cancer treatment
Royal family wish Prince Harry a ‘very happy' 40th birthday
William and Kate donate to food bank after thieves raid its warehouse
‘I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40’ Prince Harry celebrates landmark on Sunday
Harry and Meghan may return to UK for Christmas
Meghan Markle was NOT cropped out of Harry’s birthday image by royal family
11:21 , Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex was not cropped out of Prince Harry’s birthday message from the royal family, The Independent can reveal, despite reports to the contrary.
While Meghan, now 43, was included in the original image alongside the duke, the cropped version simultaneously appeared on Getty Images alongside the full photograph in 2018.
This means that the decision to zoom in on Harry and edit the picture was made long before the couple’s relationship with the royal family appeared to sour.
Meghan Markle has ‘reduced grown men to tears'
11:00 , Emma Guinness
A bombshell report has claimed that the Duchess of Sussex has “reduced grown men to tears”.
The news comes amid the recent revelation that the Sussex’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, left the role after three months on what was described as a “mutual” decision.
A source told The Hollywood Reporter: “Everyone’s terrified of Meghan. She belittles people, she doesn’t take advice.
“They’re both poor decision-makers, they change their minds frequently. Harry is a very, very charming person – no airs at all – but he’s very much an enabler. And she’s just terrible.”
Another source added to the publication: “She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.
“I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears.”
‘No doubt’ Prince Harry will accept multi-million birthday inheritance
10:00 , Emma Guinness
Prince Harry is set to receive an estimated £8m from the late Queen Mother for his 40th birthday, and an insider has said there is “no doubt” he will accept the money.
The Duke of Sussex, who turned 40 yesterday, is said to have received a larger portion of the wealth set aside by the late royal because he was never destined to be king.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold told The New York Post: “I’ve no doubt that Harry will accept it... It’s money that’s owed to him, money that’s coming to him.
“I don’t think he will decline the money – it’s inheritance, so it’s his right.”
The Queen Mother passed away in 2002 at the age of 101. She is reported to have placed an estimated £71m in a trust fund for her grandchildren, to be distributed at milestone birthdays.
Meghan Markle cropped out of Prince Harry’s 40th birthday greeting
08:35 , Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex was cropped out of the picture used by the Royal Family to wish Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday yesterday (15 September).
The unexpected greeting, shared by King Charles and Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, marked the first public acknowledgement of the Duke of Sussex’s birthday since 2021.
“Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” the post read alongside a picture of Harry taken at a Dublin engagement in 2018, when he was still a working royal.
The original picture also featured his wife Meghan Markle, who he married that year, but she was cropped out for the birthday greeting.
Prince Harry ‘obsesses’ over public image in UK
07:00 , Barney Davis
Prince Harry wants to be warmly regarded in the UK after stepping down as a working member of the royal family, an expert has claimed.
“Over the years, Prince Harry has studied all the articles written about him,” broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital.
“He still obsesses over his public image here in the UK. He is on a mission to change public perception, desperate to be seen in glowing lights rather than the constant negative PR whirl that surrounds him.
“Prince Harry… is interested in turning his public image around.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla to visit Australia
06:00 , Barney Davis
King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to Australia next month on an official visit.
“The King and Queen will visit Australia and Samoa, and attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 18th v 26th October 2024,” an official statement read.
05:00 , Barney Davis
A Northern Irish council has defended a controversial new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which has been slammed by critics for failing to resemble the former queen.
The bronze statue, which was unveiled on Friday at Antrim Castle Gardens, evoked such strong opinions that some suggested it should be melted down.
A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council told The Independent: “The Council is delighted with the generally positive response to the new Queen Elizabeth II sculpture in Antrim Castle Gardens.
“It acknowledges that art can sometimes spark diverse opinions, but it’s important to emphasise that the sculpture has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person. The statue beautifully captures Her Majesty’s grace and steadfastness, standing as a fitting tribute to her extraordinary life and reign.
“The Council is particularly pleased with how the sculpture complements its surroundings, standing adjacent to the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and accompanied by two lovingly crafted corgis. This thoughtful arrangement has resonated strongly with visitors, who appreciate the personal touch it brings to the memorial, within the Gardens.”
Meghan Markle’s popularity soaring amount UK’s Gen Zs
03:00 , Barney Davis
A new YouGov poll has found that the Duchess of Sussex’s popularity in the UK is soaring among Gen Zs.
The poll of 18 to 24-year-olds found that Meghan was seen favourably by 48 percent of respondents, and she has an overall net positivity rating of 18 percent.
To put this into context, Prince William has a net positivity rating of 20 percent amongst this group and the Princess of Wales has a net positivity rating of 23 percent.
Watch back our event: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Monday 16 September 2024 00:01 , Barney Davis
Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?
These and more questions from our audience were answered in The Independent’s premium event on the future of the royal family.
Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.
Watch the full event here. If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
Meghan Markle ‘doesn’t regret anything'
Sunday 15 September 2024 23:00 , Barney Davis
A royal expert has claimed that the Duchess of Sussex “does not regret” upsetting the royal family.
Royal author Ingrid Seward said that the former actress is good at sticking by her decisions, regardless of the consequences.
She told GB News: “I don’t think Meghan regrets anything. She doesn’t seem to regret the fact that she never speaks to her own father, I still find that very strange.”
“She doesn’t seem to regret the fact that her first marriage failed. She doesn’t seem to regret that she’s upset the Royal Family,” Ms Seward added.
“I don’t think she’s a girl that has regrets. I think that she’s very strong and very determined.”
'Rift between Harry and William still strong’
Sunday 15 September 2024 22:00 , Barney Davis
BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph hs claimed the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry no longer talk as the younger sibling turns 40.
She said in an article for Harry’s birthday: “There is anger, frustration and bitterness that shows no sign of easing.
“Harry’s TV interviews, book and public criticism of the Royal Family has been too much for his older brother and several other senior royals.”
A source told her: “I just can’t see a fix.
“It’s been a long time now and they haven’t found a peace. Their lives are now very separate. It’s sad.”
Prince Harry recalls ‘cold-blooded’ gift from relative in Spare
Sunday 15 September 2024 20:59 , Barney Davis
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry recounted a quirky Christmas Eve at Sandringham Estate when Princess Margaret gave him an odd gift of a tiny pen with a rubber fish wrapped around it.
“Standing before my pile, I chose to open the smallest present first. The tag said: ‘From Aunt Margo’. I looked over, called out: ‘Thank you, Aunt Margo!’,” he wrote.
After unwrapping it, Harry was taken aback and expressed his gratitude to Margaret, who emphasised that it wasn’t just any pen but a special one.
Harry reflected on the gift, noting: “It wasn’t just any biro, she pointed out. It had a tiny rubber fish wrapped around it. I said: ‘Oh. A fish biro! OK.’ I told myself: That is cold-blooded.”
Birthday post doesn’t mean Prince William and Prince Harry are reconciled - expert
Sunday 15 September 2024 20:00 , Barney Davis
Royal expert Tom Bower has claimed the Prince and Princess of Wales’ birthday post to Prince Harry are merely about keeping up public appearances.
Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Bower said: “William and Kate’s surprise birthday wishes to Harry do not signal a step towards reconciliation. Rather it shows that the Waleses don’t want to be criticised as churlish.
“Being diplomatic costs them nothing and avoids criticism. The King understandably has congratulated his son but there’s no evidence of defrosting their relationship.”
King and Queen kept to normal routine visiting church in Balmoral
Sunday 15 September 2024 19:00 , Barney Davis
The King and Queen enjoyed their usual Sunday morning routine in Balmoral after wishing Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday on social media
Charles, 75, and Camilla, 77, went to their regular church service at nearby Craithie Kirk.
It came as Harry enters his fifth decade in what has been a rollercoaster year for the royal family, with both the King and the Princess of Wales being diagnosed with cancer.
When the King’s shock health news was announced in February, Harry made a transatlantic dash to see him but his meeting with his father was kept to just 45 minutes.
In comments released to the BBC, the duke said “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40”, and described how fatherhood had given him a renewed sense of purpose to make “this world a better place”.
Prince Harry has no intention of returning to royal family - friend
Sunday 15 September 2024 17:13 , Barney Davis
In a report by the BBC for the Duke of Sussex’s 40th birthday, senior royal correspondent Daniela Relph said that reports of Harry making a sensational return to the royal family were wide of the mark.
According to the royal correspondent, a friend of Harry’s said that although he would like to come over more for work, he would not relocate to the UK.
“Why would he give up everything he’s achieved there to return here? His life is now in America,” the source said.
Prince Harry will feel ‘delighted’ after surprise birthday greetings from Prince and Princess of Wales
Sunday 15 September 2024 15:38 , Barney Davis
Prince Harry is said to be delighted after William and Kate shared an earlier post from the royal family on X, adding: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams tolf the Express: “The Palace had a policy of only recognising the birthdays of working royals on social media. This marks a change but it is a special occasion. It is a sensible move that naturally begs the question, are tensions easing?
“It is in everyone’s interest to have reconciliation and that, if it happens, it will almost certainly take a long time. Mutual trust will need to be restored.
“However the obvious first step is to cease all hostilities.”
He added: “It would build on the pleasure Harry must surely feel in having his special day marked unexpectedly on social media by the royal family.”
Princess Diana’s nickname for Prince Harry resurfaces on is 40th birthday
Sunday 15 September 2024 13:40 , Barney Davis
The late Princess Diana’s adorable nickname for her son Harry has remerged on social media as the Duke of Sussex turns 40.
A TikTok video shared by Tyla, a sister brand of LadBible, revealed Diana fondly referred to her younger son as ‘My little Spencer’.
The Duke of Sussex opened up about dealing with his mother’s death as he urged children not to “suppress” their emotions as he once did.
Prince Harry, 39, was just 12 when his mother, Princess Diana, died in a car crash in Paris.
During the 20th anniversary year of the death of the Princess of Wales, Harry opened up in a newspaper interview, saying he spent nearly 20 years “not thinking” about his mother’s death and eventually got help after two years of “total chaos”.
Prince and Princess of Wales share birthday greeting with Harry
Sunday 15 September 2024 12:59 , Barney Davis
The Prince and Princess of Wales have wished the Duke of Sussex a happy 40th birthday in a message on social media.
William and Kate shared an earlier post from the royal family on X, formerly Twitter, and added their own message, which read: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”
Some will see the post as a surprise move given the unresolved tensions between the brothers.
Their estrangement has shown no sign of abating, with the duke also having a strained relationship with his father, the King.
A post from the royal family account earlier on Sunday marked the first public birthday message for Harry since 2021.
Prince Harry to get a phone call from royal family on his 40th birthday
Sunday 15 September 2024 12:17 , Barney Davis
Prince Harry is very likely to receive a phone call from his father King Charles to wish him a birthday greeting on his 40th.
“Harry will hear from his family,” a palace source told The New York Post.
“It’s very likely that Charles and Kate will likely phone Harry to wish him well on his birthday.”
The source, who claims to know both brothers personally, says the Prince of Wales William, 42, most likely won’t reach out to Harry “given everything that has gone on.”
It comes as the royal family sent Prince Harry a birthday message for the first time in three years early Sunday.
“Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” the Royal Family’s official X account posted.
To celebrate his special day, Harry’s wife is Meghan is said to be organising a star-studded bash in Montecito.
Harry describes fatherhood as giving him renewed purpose as he turns 40
Sunday 15 September 2024 11:17 , Barney Davis
Prince Harry is spending his milestone birthday on Sunday with Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
He is then said to be heading away for a gathering with close friends.
Harry enters his fifth decade in what has been a rollercoaster year for the royal family, with both the King and the Princess of Wales diagnosed with cancer.
When the King’s shock health news was announced in February, Harry made a transatlantic dash to see him but his meeting with his father was kept to just 45 minutes.
In comments released to the BBC, the duke said “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40”, and described how fatherhood had given him a renewed sense of purpose to make “this world a better place”.
1/3 Brits would welcome Harry back to UK as working royal -poll
Sunday 15 September 2024 10:17 , Barney Davis
A poll for The Mail on Sunday has revealed that a third of Britons would welcome Prince Harry back into the Royal fold on a permanent basis.
While more than 60 per cent of the public are still opposed or undecided about a comeback, Harry has seen his support for his comeback icrease from 25 per cent in March to 34 per cent this month, according to Ipsos.
It comes as tensions between the royal family and the estranged Duke of Susex appeared to be thawing as they wished him “a very happy 40th birthday”.
It is the first time the royal family has shared a public message for Harry since wishing him a happy birthday in 2021.
Harry is spending his milestone birthday on Sunday with Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Royal family wish Prince Harry a ‘very happy' 40th birthday
Sunday 15 September 2024 09:13 , Barney Davis
The royal family have wished the Duke of Sussex a “very happy 40th birthday” in a sign of tense relations thawing between them.
The statement, complete with a picture of a smiling Harry and an emoji of a birthday cake, said simply: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”
Harry, who lives in California, is spending his birthday on Sunday with the Duchess of Sussex and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
He is then said to be heading away for a gathering with close friends.
Comment: Harry at 40 might miss Britain, but the uncomfortable truth is we may miss him more
Sunday 15 September 2024 09:00 , Jabed Ahmed
A decade ago he launched his greatest project and was adored by his father and brother, but 10 years later things couldn’t be more different. While Harry insists he is growing into the man he wants to be, Tessa Dunlop argues that his family misses his presence whether they want to or not
Read the full article below:
Harry at 40 might miss Britain, but the truth is we may miss him more
William makes unannounced private visit to helicopter base
Sunday 15 September 2024 08:15 , Jabed Ahmed
The Prince of Wales surprised helicopter staff on Friday after making an unannounced visit to a base in Oxfordshire.
Prince William, 42, turned up at the official opening of the new Airbus Helicopters headquarters at Oxford Airport.
His appearance was not announced in advance and it is understood he was there in a private capacity.
According to The Telegraph, he was invited by Airbus because of his connection with London Air Ambulance, of which he is a patron.
He reportedly attended wearing a blue jumper and spoke informally with staff. He was also shown around the newly delivered Airbus H135, bound for London Air Ambulance, which was on display in the hanger.
Harry celebrates 40th birthday with Meghan, Archie and Lili
Sunday 15 September 2024 07:35 , Jabed Ahmed
The Duke of Sussex is celebrating his 40th birthday.
Harry is spending his milestone birthday on Sunday with Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
He is then said to be heading away for a gathering with close friends.
Harry enters his fifth decade in what has been a rollercoaster year for the royal family, with both the King and the Princess of Wales being diagnosed with cancer.
But the duke, who lives in California after stepping down from the working monarchy, remains estranged from his brother the Prince of Wales and faces a strained relationship with Charles.
When the King’s shock health news was announced in February, Harry made a transatlantic dash to see him but his meeting with his father was kept to just 45 minutes.
In comments released to the BBC, the duke said “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40”, and described how fatherhood had given him a renewed sense of purpose to make “this world a better place”.
Harry and Meghan may return to UK for Christmas
Sunday 15 September 2024 07:00 , Barney Davis
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may return to the UK for Christmas, after reportedly receiving an invite from his uncle, Earl Spencer, at his home in Althorp House.
The couple are said to have received an invite to join their celebrations, along with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
If they were to attend, it would be Meghan’s first trip back to the UK since the late Queen’s funeral in 2022.
Speaking to OK! magazine, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: “Well, if an offer has indeed been made - which seems quite logical - and if they accepted, it would fly in the face of everything Harry has said about security. He has repeatedly said he believes it’s unsafe to bring his wife and children to the UK without a guarantee of official security.”
Prince George has his first flying lesson aged just 11
Sunday 15 September 2024 06:00 , Barney Davis
Prince George is said to have enjoyed his first ever flying lesson.
The Prince and Princess of Wales’s eldest is said to have flown with an instructor as his parents watched from the ground at White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead, Berks, a 20-minute drive from their Windsor home.
An onlooker at the Berkshire airfield told The Sun: “He loved it. It’s the right time to start.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales watched their son soar into the air and come back to land safely just under an hour later.
Prince William admitted he would “love to fly helicopters” again as he paid a visit to Wales Air Ambulance headquarters in Llanelli, South Wales earlier in the week.
The future King spoke about how much he missed the role, and suggested he would come back and join the Wales Air Ambulance for a weekend.
“I can’t stop talking about helicopters and medical kits and all sorts,” William said. “I’m sorry I take ages waffling about it. I miss it all. I’m quite keen to stay a bit longer.
“I’m thinking I might come back for a weekend at some point. I saw the Cardiff team a while ago and said to them I’ll come back and join them.”
Watch: A look back at Prince Harry’s life as he turns 40
Sunday 15 September 2024 04:00 , Barney Davis
In Diana’s arms to laughing with William: Look back at Harry’s life as he turns 40
Kate Middleton’s cancer timeline
Sunday 15 September 2024 02:00 , Barney Davis
The princess has finished chemotherapy but said her “path to healing and full recovery is long”:
Kate Middleton’s cancer battle: The timeline of her ‘incredibly tough’ nine months
Prince and princess help restock foodbank raided by thieves
Saturday 14 September 2024 23:59 , Barney Davis
Prince William and Kate have made a donation to a south London food bank where thousands of pounds’ worth of items were stolen.
Thieves radied Southwark Foodbank, in Peckham High Street, on Sunday, stealing about £3,000 of food and hygiene products, as well as a laptop.
The food bank thanked the prince and princess on social media, saying it had been “overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from across society”.
A huge thank you to @Kensingtonroyal who have donated to the recovery effort following the theft of £3k of food supplies from @southwarkfoodbk. All at @Pecan121a have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from across society. Food stocks are being replenished now ❤️
— Pecan (@Pecan121a) September 13, 2024
Forty photos to mark Harry’s milestone 40th birthday
Saturday 14 September 2024 22:40 , Barney Davis
The Duke of Sussex reaches his milestone 40th birthday on Sunday.
In a statement to the BBC, Harry said he was “excited” about reaching the milestone, adding: “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”
Forty photos – one for every year of Harry’s life – have been compiled to mark the duke entering his fifth decade.
The pictures, brought together by the PA news agency, show the transition of the youngest son of the King and the late Diana, Princess of Wales from newborn baby to cheeky toddler and beyond.
Read the full article here:
Forty photos to mark Harry’s milestone 40th birthday
In case you missed it: George, Charlotte and Louis show off playful sides
Saturday 14 September 2024 21:30 , Barney Davis
George, Louis and Charlotte show off playful sides in snapshot of royal life
Harry more popular than King Charles in US as he turns 40
Saturday 14 September 2024 20:30 , Barney Davis
Two new YouGov polls commissioned by The Times show that 49 per cent of Americans had a positive view of Harry, with 24 per cent reporting a negative view.
This makes him more popular than his father King Charles, just with 38 per cent of Americans having a positive view of Charles, compared with 33 per cent with a negative view.
Harry’s polling in the US even placed him ahead of the Princess of Wales, for whom 43 per cent of people said they had a positive view.
Prince Harry doesn’t plan to update Spare as he looks to heal rift with royal family
Saturday 14 September 2024 19:00 , Barney Davis
It has been reported by the Times that Prince Harry’s 400-page memoir, Spare, will not be updated when it is released in paperback next month, and there are no interviews planned to promote it.
The 39-year-old’s book grabbed headlines when it was released last January as it included never-seen-before details of royal feuds including the accusation that his brother, the Prince of Wales, pushed him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan Markle.
Prince of Wales makes surprise visit to helicopter base
Saturday 14 September 2024 17:40 , Barney Davis
The Prince of Wales surprised helicopter staff on Friday after making an unannounced visit to a base in Oxfordshire.
Prince William, 42, turned up at the official opening of the new Airbus Helicopters headquarters at Oxford Airport, the PA news agency understands.
His appearance was not announced in advance and it is understood he was there in a private capacity.
According to The Telegraph newspaper, he was invited by Airbus because of his connection with London Air Ambulance, of which he is a patron.
Inside the court of King Charles
Saturday 14 September 2024 16:40 , Barney Davis
Royal biographer Hugo Vickers reveals how Charles handled the explosive family dramas of Harry and Andrew – and wasted no time stepping out of the shadows to forge his own legacy:
A modern monarch in a hurry – inside the court of King Charles
Meghan Markle branded ‘Duchess Difficult’ by staff who claim she makes ‘grown men cry’ - report
Saturday 14 September 2024 14:37 , Barney Davis
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, has been accused of being demeaning with staff and causing “grown men to cry”, by a report from the United States.
The Hollywood Reporter added that “noisy tantrums and angry 5am emails” had earned Meghan the title of “Duchess Difficult”.
One source said she is “absolutely relentless”, adding: “She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.”
The same source claimed: “I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears.”
The past 10 years have been a period of upheaval for Harry and his wife Meghan who, after struggling behind the scenes with royal life, stepped down as working royals and moved to America for financial and personal freedom.
The couple appear content with their lives in the celebrity enclave of Montecito in California where they have established a new life for themselves and their children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
Harry and Meghan’s current spokesperson declined to comment on the Hollywood Reporter story.
King Charles’ birthday olive branch to Prince Harry as he turns 40
Saturday 14 September 2024 13:36 , Barney Davis
King Charles is set to reach out to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday in a very modern break with tradition, according to reports.
Speaking to the Daily Express, a “well-placed” source said that the King plans to catch his son, now in California, with a call on Skype organised by staff as soon as he wakes up.
The insider said: “The King will reach out to Harry on his birthday. Although the family are not as close as they once were, there is still a lot of love there.
“They tend to use Skype when they communicate because they can see each other and it’s all set up by staff so it runs smoothly.”
Prince Harry’s unusual birthday treat
Saturday 14 September 2024 12:01 , Barney Davis
New details have emerged about Prince Harry’s alleged birthday getaway with friends in California.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, will celebrate his milestone 40th birthday on Sunday (15 September) and is said to be having a low key celebration with his family.
This will be followed by a “weekend getaway” with friends, with a source telling The Express that the group will travel to the Cold Spring Trail in California.
“The Cold Spring Trail has lots of streams and pools which people regularly take a dip in,” they said. “But there are also lots of snakes and other wildlife to contend with, like large cats.
“Harry and his friends will truly experience the outdoors as they take on one of the long hikes. Let’s hope he’s taking an experienced guide with him.”
Harry will ‘involve’ King Charles in 40th birthday celebrations
Saturday 14 September 2024 11:10 , Barney Davis
An insider has claimed that Prince Harry will involve King Charles in his 40th birthday celebrations this weekend despite his strained relationship with the royal family.
Harry, 39, last saw his father following his diagnosis with an undisclosed type of cancer in February.
The insider told News International: “Harry could send a video of Archie and Lilibet’s celebrations to King Charles.”
Another source added: “King Charles still loves his estranged son even after Harry’s claims against the royal family. He will send a private message to the Duke on his big day.”
The duke is reported to be having a “low key” celebration with his family in California on the big day itself (15 September) before enjoying a “weekend getaway” with friends.
‘I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40’ Prince Harry celebrates landmark on Sunday
Saturday 14 September 2024 10:23 , Barney Davis
The Duke of Sussex has said becoming a father has given him a fresh perspective on life as he turns 40 tomorrow.
In a statement, Prince 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”.
He added: “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,” the prince said in a statement released by his spokesperson.
“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.”
He plans to celebrate his 40th birthday on Sunday with his family in California, before heading off on a break with a group of his closest friends.
The common ground between Kate and Meghan is beginning to become more solid
Saturday 14 September 2024 09:04 , Jabed Ahmed
On the surface they couldn’t be more different, a homebody princess versus a high-gloss duchess. But, there is a subplot at work here, argues Fleur Britten - and the two women hint at more similarities than you may think
The common ground between Kate and Meghan is beginning to become more solid
William and Kate donate to food bank after thieves raid its warehouse
Saturday 14 September 2024 08:29 , Jabed Ahmed
The Prince and Princess of Wales have donated to a south London food bank after thieves raided its warehouse.
Workers arrived at Southwark Foodbank’s warehouse in Peckham to find empty shelves after burglars stole thousands of pounds worth of goods in the early hours of Sunday, the food bank said.
William and Kate donated £3,500 to charity Pecan after hearing about the theft, which will cover the costs of the goods stolen and the damage caused, the food bank added.
Peter Edwards, chief executive of Pecan, said: “This surprise donation by the Prince and Princess of Wales – following such a difficult spell for their family – underlines their kindness and decency.
“After serious ill health their first thought was of how to help others.
“Their generosity will inspire staff and volunteers to redouble Pecan’s efforts to alleviate poverty in London.”
Prince William warns of ‘future threats’ to UK during RAF speech
Saturday 14 September 2024 07:49 , Jabed Ahmed
The Prince of Wales told new RAF officers the country will be relying on them to deal with “future threats” during the present “time of change and uncertainty”.
William spoke during the graduation ceremony of more than 50 officers who have completed their training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.
The prince knows RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire well, as he trained at the air force base, flying solo for the first time and later received his wings from his father during a ceremony in 2008.
He remained in the RAF for much of his active military career going on to fly as a helicopter pilot in the RAF Search and Rescue Force before becoming an air ambulance helicopter pilot.
Prince William refuses to reveal tax bill, breaking tradition
Saturday 14 September 2024 04:00 , Jane Dalton
Recap of a story from two months ago: The Prince of Wales has refused to reveal how much tax he pays on private income derived from his huge property portfolio.
Prince William refuses to reveal tax bill, breaking King Charles tradition
Watch: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Saturday 14 September 2024 02:30 , Jane Dalton