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.
Key Points
- Kate releases deeply moving video as she announces completion of cancer treatment
- 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
- Kate ‘hoping for autumn comeback'
Prince of Wales makes surprise visit to helicopter base
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
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:
Princess Diana’s nickname for Prince Harry resurfaces ahead of 40th birthday
15:40
Barney Davis
The late Princess Diana’s adorable nickname for her son Harry has remerged on social media as the Duke of Sussex edges closer to turning 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”.
Meghan Markle branded ‘Duchess Difficult’ by staff who claim she makes ‘grown men cry’ - report
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
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
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
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
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
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
William and Kate donate to food bank after thieves raid its warehouse
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
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
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.
Watch: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
02:30
Jane Dalton
Harry and Meghan eye third foreign tour this year
01:00
Jane Dalton
Duchess presents design award
Friday 13 September 2024 23:30
Jane Dalton
The Duchess of Edinburgh presented the prize for the British Fashion Council Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to to Steven Stokey-Daley.
Congratulations to Steven Stokey-Daley - the 2024 winner of the @BFC Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 13, 2024
As London Fashion Week begins, The Duchess of Edinburgh presented the prize, which recognises talented young designers who are making a difference. pic.twitter.com/2cKX1KkKb6
Royal travel costs soar by £300,000 despite fewer engagements
Friday 13 September 2024 22:00
Jane Dalton
Royal travel costs soared by hundreds of thousands of pounds last year despite fewer engagements due to the illness of the King and Princess of Wales, figures show:
In pictures: Significant moments for Harry
Friday 13 September 2024 17:45
Jane Dalton
Anne watches sheep dog trials
Friday 13 September 2024 15:50
Jane Dalton
Turns out the Princess Royal is patron of the International Sheep Dog Society.
The Princess Royal has met some hard-working pups at the ISDS International Sheep Dog Trials in Lanarkshire.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 13, 2024
HRH is Patron of @TheISDS, which was founded in 1906 and today registers over 6000 Border Collie pups each year on behalf of its members. pic.twitter.com/V95aJO2Fri
Sussexes undertake quasi-royal tours
Friday 13 September 2024 15:00
Jane Dalton
In the past year the Sussexes have undertaken quasi-royal tours to Colombia and Nigeria, and Meghan started a new business with the soft launch of her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, when she sent limited-edition strawberry jam to her friends.
From the archives: The day the yacht used by Harry’s mother Diana sank
Friday 13 September 2024 14:30
Jane Dalton
The world-famous celebrity yacht used by Princess Diana on her final summer holiday in France sank to the bottom of the sea.
Kate Middleton is cancer free after chemotherapy treatment – what will her recovery look like?
Friday 13 September 2024 14:00
Holly Evans
On Monday Kate Middleton confirmed she was finally cancer-free three months after the shock news broke that she was receiving “preventative chemotherapy“ after doctors found cancer cells while she was having an abdominal surgery procedure.
Following the announcement in June, the Princess largely withdrew from public appearances to focus on her treatment.
Now she is cancer-free she will likely go through the recovery process which awaits many cancer patients after treatment, which can be a long road.
Read the full article here:
King Charles thanks New Zealand rugby team for ‘healing’ hug
Friday 13 September 2024 13:00
Holly Evans
King Charles thanked the female rugby team from New Zealand for surprising him with a hug at Buckingham Palace yesterday.
“I much appreciated this chance to meet you and have such a warm hug from most of you,” he said before adding, “very healing”.
During the meeting, the king expressed his regret that he will not be able to visit New Zealand anytime soon “on doctor’s orders.”
Thank you, @blackferns, for dropping into Buckingham Palace during your end of year tour!
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 12, 2024
Last night, The King welcomed the Black Ferns rugby team ahead of their match against the Red Roses at Twickenham this weekend and received an unexpected group hug in return! v pic.twitter.com/07V6Br8dYB
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Friday 13 September 2024 12:30
Holly Evans
In Diana’s arms to laughing with William and Kate: Look back at Prince Harry’s life as he turns 40
Friday 13 September 2024 11:14
Holly Evans
Prince Harry to jet off on wholesome ‘lads holiday’ to celebrate 40th birthday
Friday 13 September 2024 10:45
Holly Evans
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.”
Read the full article here:
Prince William joined by his late mother’s sister at RAF graduation
Friday 13 September 2024 10:15
Holly Evans
On Thursday, the Prince of Wales stepped out with his late mother’s sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale, who joined him at an RAF graduation ceremony where he warned to cadets that they “live in a time of change and uncertainty”.
It is understood that he invited his aunt to the event at RAF Cranwell as she lives in the area, with the prince remaining close to his mother’s family during his adult life.
Sporting a light beard, he told the 48 cadets: “Multinational relationships are key to international defence, security, and peace.
“The relationships you have formed through training will be key in allowing you to achieve success in future roles, and enhancing the security of all our nations.”
Prince George takes his first flying lesson
Friday 13 September 2024 08:56
Holly Evans
Prince George is reportedly already learning to fly and took his maiden voyage on the final day of his school summer holidays.
According to The Sun, the future king “loved” his first flight, which took place on the White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead.
Reports suggest The Prince and Princess of Wales watched the 11-year-old take off from the runway with an instructor and come back to land safely just under an hour later.
All three royals were then said to have relaxed at the airfield’s clubhouse before returning to their Windsor home.
An eyewitness told the newspaper: “George is only 11 years old but it is the right time to start. The Royal Family has a proud tradition of flying and it looks like George is next in line.
“His parents watched George take flight from the safety of the ground but he flew with an instructor and loved it.”
Prince Harry reveals he is ‘excited’ about milestone 40th birthday
Friday 13 September 2024 08:31
Jane Dalton
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, saying: “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.”
The prince also spoke about the importance of his children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.
“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.”
Meghan Markle ‘doesn’t regret anything'
Friday 13 September 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
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.”
Netflix teases new Prince Harry documentary
Friday 13 September 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
Netflix has announced the name and release date of its latest collaboration with the Duke of Sussex, POLO.
Harry, 39, has been a keen player of the sport for years.
“POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport,” the streaming giant said in a statement.
“From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures. Premiering this December.”
Harry and Meghan ‘have to monetise royal connections to survive'
Friday 13 September 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
A royal expert has claimed that Prince Harry will “not return” to royal life but needs to “monetise” his connections to the firm to survive.
“[The royal family], understandably, don’t trust him,” Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital.
“Expect more ‘quasi-royal’ overseas tours as these seem successful. Meghan’s upcoming Netflix program is pivotal, as they desperately need the contract, which expires next year.”
“Their future is in the US, not the UK,” he added. “But they obviously have to monetise their royal connections to survive.”
Harry and Meghan recently completed their second unofficial tour of the year to Colombia.
Prince William stresses the importance of ‘multi-national relationships’ in international defence
Thursday 12 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has today stressed the importance of “multi-national relationships” in international defence while giving a speech to graduates at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell.
“I do want to take this moment though, to highlight not only the importance of your achievements to date, but also that of the roles you will play in supporting the futures of your countries’ air forces.
“I say ‘your countries’, as I know that in addition to our newest Royal Air Force officers on parade today, there are also officers from Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda.
“Multi-national relationships are key to international defence, security, and peace.
“The relationships you have formed through training will be key in allowing you to achieve success in future roles, and enhancing the security of all our nations.”
William is a graduate of the Lincolnshire base himself and received his “wings” in 2008.
King Charles thanks New Zealand rugby team for ‘healing’ hug
Thursday 12 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles thanked the female rugby team from New Zealand for surprising him with a hug at Buckingham Palace yesterday.
“I much appreciated this chance to meet you and have such a warm hug from most of you,” he said before adding, “very healing”.
During the meeting, the king expressed his regret that he will not be able to visit New Zealand anytime soon “on doctor’s orders.”
King Charles meets President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Thursday 12 September 2024 16:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles was all smiles as he met with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
Yesterday’s engagements also saw the king meet with New Zealand’s female rugby team at the palace, who gave the monarch an unexpected group hug.
Prince William warns of ‘future threats’ during RAF speech
Thursday 12 September 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has warned of the likelihood of the UK facing “future threats” during a speech at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell today.
The heir to the throne, 42, said: “We live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, are the ones who will ensure that we are able to adapt and face future threats.”
William is himself a former search and rescue pilot.
Prince Harry ‘obsesses’ over public image in UK
Thursday 12 September 2024 14:22
Emma Guinness
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.”
Meghan Markle’s popularity soaring amount UK’s Gen Zs
Thursday 12 September 2024 14:13
Emma Guinness
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.
Thursday 12 September 2024 14:00
Emma Guinness
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.”
King Charles gets ‘unexpected' group hug
Thursday 12 September 2024 13:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles received an unexpected group hug when he hosted New Zealand’s female rugby team at Buckingham Palace last night.
The monarch, 75, also took the opportunity to express his regret that he would be unable to visit the country when he tours Australia next month because of his ongoing health concerns.
“Thank you, @blackferns, for dropping into Buckingham Palace during your end of year tour!” the royal family wrote on their official Twitter/X account.
“Last night, The King welcomed the Black Ferns rugby team ahead of their match against the Red Roses at Twickenham this weekend and received an unexpected group hug in return!”
Meghan Markle debuts new $30,000 diamond necklace
Thursday 12 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex wore what appeared to be a brand new $30,000 diamond necklace while attending a bookshop opening with Prince Harry in California.
Hello! magazine reports that Meghan wore the “18k Fortuna Tennis Necklace with Diamonds in Yellow Gold’ from Logan Hollowell – a piece that sets its wearer back $30,000 (£23,261).”
It has been said that the necklace could have been a birthday present from Harry. The former actress turned 43 on 4 August.
The jeweller wrote of the piece: “Introducing the 18k Fortuna Tennis Necklace with Diamonds, a divine embodiment of luck and fortune inspired by the Roman goddess herself. Fortuna, the goddess of fortune and luck, serves as the muse for this exquisite piece, seamlessly blending elegance with the whims of fate.”
Prince Harry ‘is not even the spare to his wife’, biographer claims
Thursday 12 September 2024 11:00
Emma Guinness
A royal biographer has claimed that the Duke of Sussex “is not even the spare to his wife” after analysing the couple’s recent quasi-royal tours of Colombia and Nigeria.
Harry, who turns 40 this weekend, famously penned a 2023 memoir about his status as the “spare” in the royal family.
As reported by the Sun, biographer Angela Levin said: “You could say Harry is not even the spare to his wife. He’s almost nothing.
“She [Meghan] treats him horrendously. If you look at the filming of them in Colombia and Africa, he is not asked anything. He’s pushed out of the way.”
