Prince Harry’s 40th birthday bash without Meghan Markle

Prince Harry’s 40th birthday bash without Meghan Markle as Duke heads off with closest pals
It has been claimed Prince Harry is set to get away with his closest friends for a big birthday bash to mark his 40th birthday – but Meghan Markle won’t be joining him, as rumours swirl aobut the Duke pining for the UK

Prince Harry is planning a big getaway birthday bash with his “closest mates” but NOT Meghan Markle, it is claimed.

As the tearaway royal looks set to celebrate his milestone 40th birthday, it has been reported that Harry is set to head off on a lads’ holiday to “enjoy a weekend getaway with a few of his closest mates”.

And the claims, that appeared in The Sun last night, say this will follow a birthday gathering with the family at his mansion in Montecito, California – and it is there that Meghan will stay behind with their children, Archie, 1five, and Lilibet, three.

Harry and Meghan, who hold the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, shocked the royal world in 2020 by quitting working royal life and moving to the United States. Harry recently said his two children are the “best gifts” he ever received – but it is claimed the former star royal has been growing more and more dissatisfied with his new life away from the UK.

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

Rumours have been swirling that the Duke of Sussex has been seeking advice on how to make a return of sorts to the UK, and to the Royal Family fold – but claims that friends think Harry has lost his way have been disputed by some sources.

US actress Meghan Markle addresses the audience during the “Afro women and power” forum, at the Municipal Theatre in Cali, Colombia, on August 18, 2024. Prince Harry and his wife, American actress Meghan Markle, are visiting Colombia at the invitation of Colombia’s vice-President Francia Marquez, with whom they have attended various meetings with women and young people to reject discrimination and cyberbullying.

Meghan took the spotlight during the couple’s public visit to Nigeria in May and then Colombia in August, with royal commentators speculating that the 43-year-old mum-of-two seemed more at ease in the role she has carved out for herself.

The Mirror previously reported how Meghan feels “not wanted” in the UK and fears being “thrown back into an anxiety-fuelled visit to England”. Harry ended up attending the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8, alone, after his wife reportedly had a “change of heart” about joining him with their children, Archie and Lilibet, on the trip, due to security concerns.

Harry reportedly pleaded with his wife, saying: “I don’t want to do this alone.” The Duke reportedly doesn’t fancy “keep making solo trips to the UK”, with a source explaining: “He would prefer it if the entire family made regular visits to see his family and build bridges, but there is so much going on behind the scenes that it just isn’t possible at the moment.”

And The Sun claims some of Harry’s closest inner circle of friends have been remarking how he seems to be enjoying taking more regular solo trips back to his homeland, while Meghan continues to refuse to return to the UK. However, there is still much work to be done to heal any rifts between Harry and the royals.

The Duke of Sussex stepped down as a senior working royal four years ago and has opened up about life behind Palace walls in the years since. Harry has made a number of bombshell claims about the royals in various interviews and even released an explosive memoir, Spare. In the book, he said could “never cross that chasm” and be close with his family. Harry even claimed to have been denied hugs and kisses when he was a child.

It was a world away from 10 years ago when Charles and William attended the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony at Queen Elizabeth II Park on September 10, 2014 in London ( Image: Getty Images)
Harry said his brother Prince William would often ask him to give him space and said the older generation of the Royal Family “maintained a nearly zero-tolerance prohibition on all physical contact”. This included no hugs, no kisses and no pats. On special occasions, however, the Duke of Sussex said there might be “a light touching of cheeks.” In Spare, Harry detailed his childhood in the public eye as well as his experience with drugs in his older years.

He also opened up about an explosive row he had with his brother William, during which the Prince of Wales allegedly called Harry’s wife Meghan “difficult”, “rude” and “abrasive”. Harry claims his brother then “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor”.

Outspoken royal biographer Angela Levin, who is known for making several harsh claims about the Sussexes, alleged to the Sun: “You could say Harry is not even the spare to his wife. He’s almost nothing. She 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.”

But she added: “I was completely and utterly astonished to learn that Harry is trying to call in his old friends to help him get back within his own family.”