Prince Harry has spoken of his excitement at turning 40 on Sunday, as he plans to celebrate with his family in California before heading 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 that 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.
Reports suggest that Meghan Markle may return to the UK after receiving an invitation to Harry’s uncle Earl Spencer’s house for Christmas.
Meanwhile, their 11-year-old nephew Prince George is following in his father’s footsteps by learning to fly, with reports suggesting he took his first flight on the final day of his summer holidays.
The future king reportedly “loved” his maiden flight, while Prince William and Kate watched him from the runway on the White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead.
Harry remains estranged from his brother, the Prince of Wales, highlighted by the siblings reportedly not talking at a family funeral last month.
Key Points
- Kate releases deeply moving video as she announces completion of cancer treatment
- Harry and Meghan may return to UK for Christmas
- Prince William reacts to Kate Middleton’s cancer free announcement
- Kate ‘hoping for autumn comeback'
In pictures: Significant moments for Harry
17:45
Jane Dalton
In case you missed it: George, Charlotte and Louis show off playful sides
16:45
Jane Dalton
Anne watches sheep dog trials
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
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
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?
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
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?
12:30
Holly Evans
Harry and Meghan may return to UK for Christmas
11:46
Holly Evans
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.”
In Diana’s arms to laughing with William and Kate: Look back at Prince Harry’s life as he turns 40
11:14
Holly Evans
Prince Harry to jet off on wholesome ‘lads holiday’ to celebrate 40th birthday
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
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.”
Forty photos to mark Harry’s milestone 40th birthday
09:40
Holly Evans
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:
Prince George takes his first flying lesson
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
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'
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
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.”
Watch back our event: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Thursday 12 September 2024 10:00
Emma Guinness
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.
King Charles gives rare health update
Thursday 12 September 2024 09:01
Emma Guinness
King Charles has given a rare update on his ongoing battle against cancer while meeting New Zealand’s female rugby team at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
The monarch, 75, expressed his regret that he would be unable to visit the country too when he travels to Australia in October for a five-day tour.
“I am extremely sorry I can’t come to New Zealand in later October because of doctor’s orders. But I hope there will be another excuse before too long,” he said.
“But in the meantime, give my love to New Zealand, please, and New Zealanders, we get lots of nice Kiwi coming here in this part of the world as well, so we are very lucky indeed.”
Charles also appeared to impart some wisdom he gained in his later years, telling the women: “I hope you make the most of your time in the team because you don’t stay young for very long, as I discovered, it all goes quicker than you think,” as reported by the Express.
Prince Harry reveals the ‘best gift’ he has ever had ahead of milestone birthday
Thursday 12 September 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has revealed the “best gift” he has ever been given ahead of his 40th birthday on Sunday (15 September).
Harry is understood to be having a “low key” celebration with his family at their home in California.
He told PEOPLE ahead of the milestone: “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.”
Harry will ‘involve’ King Charles in 40th birthday celebrations
Thursday 12 September 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
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.
Prince Harry’s unusual birthday treat
Wednesday 11 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
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.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla to visit Australia
Wednesday 11 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
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.
Meghan Markle’s bookstore speech interrupted by Oprah Winfrey
Wednesday 11 September 2024 15:27
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex’s speech at a bookstore opening in California was interrupted by none other than Oprah Winfrey.
Meghan, 43, was speaking about the “safety” she felt in bookstores when the star, 70, arrived late and began looking for her seat in the front row.
Footage of the awkward moment was later shared to Instagram by journalist Elizabeth Holmes.
Ms Holmes said: “She came in so quietly that I didn’t even realise, I am sat there studiously filming and then all of a sudden it’s like Oprah right there, and she is like ‘sorry’ and I am like no you never need to say sorry. Anyway, surreal.”
Prince Harry’s visa ruling kept private
Wednesday 11 September 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The ruling on whether the Duke of Sussex lied on his US visa application has been kept private.
An investigation was launched following revelations about the subject in Harry’s bombshell 2023 memoir Spare.
Newsweek reports the case was closed on Monday (9 September). It is not known at this time if the outcome will be made public.
New video of Princess of Wales ‘humanized’ royal family
Wednesday 11 September 2024 14:00
Emma Guinness
A new video of the Princess of Wales and her family announcing that she is now cancer free has been praised for “humanizing” the royal family.
Sky News’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills said: “The Princess of Wales has obviously decided that in the next part of her cancer journey, she wants to be as open as possible.”
Ms Mills added: “What she very clearly wants us to understand that the last nine months have reset how she feels about life, her family and her duties.”
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend garden party in Northern Ireland
Wednesday 11 September 2024 13:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have recognised those making a positive impact in their local community at a garden party in Northern Ireland.
A picture of the couple was shared on the official royal family Twitter/X account with the caption: “The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh had a wonderful afternoon yesterday, meeting guests at a Garden Party, which took place at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.
“Guests were invited in recognition of their work to make a positive impact in the local community.”
Princess of Wales has a ‘long way to go’ in cancer journey
Wednesday 11 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has said that the Princess of Wales still has a “long way to go” in her cancer journey, despite having completed chemotherapy.
While greeting royal well-wishers in Wales yesterday, the heir to the throne said that while it is “good news” that she is now cancer free, she still has a “long way to go”.
Statue of Queen Elizabeth II slammed for resemblance to late monarch
Wednesday 11 September 2024 11:07
Emma Guinness
A statue of the Queen Elizabeth II has been slammed by visitors for failing to resemble the late monarch.
She was depicted alongside her late husband Prince Philip and beloved corgis.
Unveiled in Northern Ireland’s Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday (7 September), one local visitor said: “Whoever signed that off needs their eyes tested. It’s not good.
“I would take it away,” they added, the BBC reports. “It doesn’t do anything in memory fo
