Prince Harry to jet off on wholesome ‘lads holiday’ to celebrate 40th birthday

The Duke of Sussex was previously famed for his party-loving ways

Prince Harry is said to be heading off on a “lads’ holiday” with his “closest mates” to mark his milestone 40th birthday.

The Duke of Sussex, who turns 40 on Sunday (15 September), will have a reported “low-key” celebration on the day itself with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Harry told People magazine ahead of his birthday: “The best gift I’ve ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad.”

The Express reports that the upcoming birthday trip will be to California’s Montecito Peak, which is notably part of the famous Cold Spring Trail and close to the mansion Harry shares with his family.

“The Cold Spring Trail has lots of streams and pools which people regularly take a dip in,” a source told the outlet. “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.”

The getaway comes amid Harry’s alleged attempts to reconnect with his old friends in the UK, The Sun reports.

A source told the outlet: “Harry is feeling more and more isolated in California, which is why he has been reconnecting with old friends back home.”

Harry is said to be celebrating entering his fifth decade with his family at their California mansion before embarking on a ‘lads’ holiday’ with close friends. (Getty Images)

The insider added: “The Colombia trip also really highlighted how Meghan is comfortable stepping into the spotlight, while Harry cuts a very sulky, unhappy figure in the background.

“He wants to carve out a way back into royal life back in the UK and is seeking counsel from old friends and associates.”

While the exact guest list for the trip is not known, it is unlikely that Harry’s older brother Prince William will be included.

The pair’s relationship has grown increasingly strained since Harry stepped down as a working member of the royal family in 2020 and gave several tell-all interviews before releasing his bombshell memoir Spare about his time within the institution last January.

Despite no longer being a working royal, Harry still enjoys promoting charitable causes on quasi-royal tours. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Harry after his birth with his parents, the now King Charles and the late Princess Diana. (PA)

A friend previously told The Times: “I think he misses being over here [in Britain] desperately and wants to be admired more.

“Anyone who knows him feels he’d rather be top of the pops here with everyone loving him, as they do with William and Kate.”

Harry, who was famed for his party-loving ways, is said to live a much more “low-key” life now that he is married.

The Independent has reached out to a representative for the Sussexes for comment.