Royal family news latest: Harry ‘on mission’ to mend relationship with UK as he turns 40
Prince Harry is currently more popular in the US than the UK
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
As Prince Harry turns 40, he is starting to soften his stance on the rift that saw him leave the royal family, according to reports.
The Duke of Sussex is understood to feel he has “said his piece”, and now favours a less combative approach with it remaining unseen whether Buckingham Palace will publicly acknowledge his birthday on Sunday.
Two new YouGov polls commissioned by The Times on both sides of the Atlantic show Harry is far more popular in the US than in the UK.
It comes as Harry spoke of his excitement at turning 40 on Sunday, with plans to head away on a break with his closest friends.
He told the BBC: “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”
The Duke of Sussex added becoming a father to his two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, had given him a “fresh perspective on life” and made him more committed to making the world a better place.
In Diana’s arms to laughing with William and Kate: Look back at Prince Harry’s life as he turns 40
Harry and Meghan’s latest Netflix project teaser drops just hours after Kate Middleton cancer recovery video
As a cancer survivor, this is what I want the Princess of Wales to know
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Prince William warns of ‘future threats’ to UK during RAF speech
King Charles’ birthday olive branch to Prince Harry as he turns 40
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
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
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
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
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
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
William and Kate donate to food bank after thieves raid its warehouse
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
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
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
The decision marked a stark contrast with his father, who would publish a full breakdown of his tax details annually
Watch: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
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 virtual 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. If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
Harry and Meghan eye third foreign tour this year
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle eyeing third foreign tour this year
The faux royal tours have been described as a way for Prince Harry to ‘add value’ to the world
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments