Prince Harry’s 40th birthday marks an inevitable milestone, one that will be drastically different from his 30th.
Now married with two children, Harry often speaks of the joy he finds in fatherhood.
When Prince Charles turned 40, he was also a father of two, but by then his marriage had grown increasingly strained since Harry’s birth in 1984.
Diana, struggling with post-natal depression, found solace in her protection officer, Barry Mannakee. Once Prince Charles discovered this, he returned to his relationship with Camilla, reported Mirror.
Charles and Diana’s marriage continued to deteriorate, leading to leaked tapes, tell-all books, interviews, separation, divorce, and ultimately Diana’s tragic death in 1997.
Had Diana lived, she might have applauded Harry’s decision to forge an independent life abroad, but she would have been deeply heartbroken by the rift between her sons. We can only speculate how she might have viewed Meghan Markle, as a mother’s protective instincts would have surely come into play.
When Prince William turned 40 in 2022, his life appeared much more stable. He had a loving wife, three wonderful children, and both he and Catherine were actively engaged in their royal duties, serving Britain and the Commonwealth while supporting the Queen.
Following the Queen’s death, William was made Prince of Wales, becoming financially independent through the revenues from the Duchy of Cornwall.
Though everything seemed in order for William, Harry’s path is more uncertain. As he reaches this milestone, he must face some challenging realities. While he and Meghan have shared their story and profited from it, there is now growing pressure to create new projects to sustain their expensive lifestyle.
Things have not always gone according to plan, and the future could be fraught with difficulties. Recent images of Harry suggest he may not be entirely content.
Harry may yearn for aspects of his former life. Living in a vastly different world, far removed from his roots, Meghan’s outlook on life contrasts sharply with what Harry grew up with. He is distant from old friends, and his prestigious role as Captain General of the Royal Marines was relinquished for a quieter life in California. Will this new life bring him happiness? It seems doubtful.
Moreover, his 40th birthday won’t include a warm family gathering, and his children are growing up without knowing their cousins back in England.
At least when Prince Charles turned 40, he was a “working royal” dedicated to public service, contributing to the greater good, rather than just focusing on his own life. For Harry, the road ahead could be troubling.
