Prince Harry has spoken out candidly about the differences between his 30th and 40th birthdays

Prince Harry’s troubling birthday admission amid Meghan Markle’s ‘absence’ on trip

Prince Harry has opened up candidly about turning 40 as he prepares for his celebratory ‘lads trip’ – and he’s made a heartfelt admission as he reflects on birthdays been and gone

Prince Harry has spoken out candidly about the differences between his 30th and 40th birthdays ahead of entering his fourth decade.

The Duke of Sussex, who turns 40 on Sunday, will mark the day privately with his wife Meghan Markle and their two young children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three at their Montecito mansion. Then he’ll reportedly be heading off on a ‘lads’ getaway with some close-knit pals, while Meghan, 43, stays behind to watch the kids.

The prospect of Harry’s mates’ trip may bring to mind the former party prince’s wilder days, but the past decade has proven to have a transformative impact on the duke, who has gone from being the ‘cheeky’ younger brother to a married father of two.

Harry’s current life in California couldn’t look more different to the one he lived during his days as a senior working royal.

Indeed, this will likely be a far different celebration than Harry’s 30th bash, a milestone which left the fifth in line feeling “anxious”.

In a recent statement given to BBC News, Harry revealed: “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.”

Harry turned 30 in 2014, at a time of great change in his personal and professional life. Having finished his second tour of Afghanistan the previous year, Harry ended his two-year relationship with Cressida Bonas just a few months before his landmark birthday. In this same year, he also kickstarted the Invictus Games in support of injured servicemen and women, marking a significant new chapter.

William and Kate planned an intimate birthday dinner for Harry ahead of his 30th, with royal cousins Princesses Beatrice, Eugenie and Zara Tindall invited to dine at Kensington Palace alongside close friends.

However Princess Kate, who was then pregnant with second child Princess Charlotte, was suffering from Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) – a condition which causes severe morning sickness. Not wanting the festivities to go ahead without his sister-in-law – who he described as ‘the sister I’ve never had’ in bombshell memoir Spare, Harry decided to postpone.

At the time, a source told the Mirror: “Harry was in no doubt that the party should be postponed, even though 30 is an important milestone. Kate had been very involved in organising Harry’s party, and once she fell ill he felt it wrong to let the event go ahead.” According to another report in Vanity Fair, however, the party later did ahead – but it was instead held at Clarence House, with King Charles sending champagne for guests to enjoy.

The Sun reports that, after spending his actual birthday with family, Harry will head off on the trip with some of his ‘closest pals’ while Meghan stays at home with their children. Although the location of the trip hasn’t been disclosed, PEOPLE magazine, a chosen publication of the Sussexes, reports that Harry will have a ‘gathering of close friends internationally’. Pals within the prince’s close inner circle include polo-playing confidante Nacho Figueras.

However, it’s family Harry is thinking of as he begins a brand new decade, as he told the Beeb: : “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. 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.”