Royal news live: Kate posts surprise birthday message to Harry days after emotional video on cancer treatment
Royal family have offered an olive branch of reconciliation to the estranged Prince as he turns 40
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
The Princess of Wales has wished the Duke of Sussex a surprise 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, 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.
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
Prince Harry doesn’t plan to update Spare as he looks to heal rift with royal family
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
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
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
He’s passionate, prone to mood swings and, says the writer who knows the royal family better than anyone, reliant on a coterie of powerful media advisers. A year on from taking the crown in the wake of the Queen’s death, 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
Meghan Markle branded ‘Duchess Difficult’ by staff who claim she makes ‘grown men cry’ - report
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
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.”
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