As Prince Harry approaches his milestone 40th birthday, he has made it clear that a return to the United Kingdom and resuming royal duties are not part of his plans. The Duke of Sussex, who has carved out a new life in California, has chosen to prioritize his family and U.S.-based projects over any potential re-engagement with the British royal family.
Speaking to People magazine through a spokesperson, Prince Harry emphasized the joy he finds in fatherhood, describing his children as the "best gift" he has ever received. "I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad," Harry said, expressing contentment with his current life. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to celebrate Harry's birthday quietly with their children, Archie and Lilibet, followed by a gathering with close friends. There is no indication that Harry will make a return to the UK for the occasion.
This news follows speculation that Prince Harry might assist the royal family with "low-key" duties or consider a partial return. However, these rumors have been quashed by reports that Harry is focused on his life in Montecito, California, and has no plans to participate in royal activities. According to Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker, "Prince Harry's focus is on California and his U.S. projects," which include charitable work and entertainment ventures through the couple's Archewell Foundation and their deal with Netflix.
Walker added that Prince Harry's upcoming birthday celebrations will be private, with Meghan Markle reportedly organizing a party at their California home. Afterward, Harry is expected to travel with close friends for a brief holiday, though Walker jokingly speculated whether this trip might echo Harry's infamous Las Vegas getaway from a decade ago.
The Duke's decision not to return to the UK underscores the continuing rift between him and the royal family. Despite previous reports suggesting that Harry might explore options for a return, Walker noted, "A return to royal duties is not on the horizon for Prince Harry." This stance appears to be confirmed by Harry's spokesperson, indicating that any involvement with royal duties is currently off the table.
When asked about the relationship between Harry and his family, particularly his father King Charles and brother Prince William, Walker pointed out that both often respond with "no comment" when questioned about Harry. "Clearly, there is still a big rift there across the Atlantic," Walker said, highlighting the ongoing tension within the royal family.
As for Prince Harry's future engagements, he will soon be in New York City to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Diana Award, a charity set up in memory of his mother, Princess Diana. Notably, while both Harry and William support the charity, they will do so separately from opposite sides of the Atlantic, further emphasizing their distance.
Prince Harry's comments come just days after he and Meghan were spotted at a high-profile event near their Montecito home. The couple attended the opening of a new bookstore, Godmothers, which was co-founded by literary agent Jennifer Rudolph Walsh and cosmetics mogul Victoria Jackson, with Oprah Winfrey also showing her support. The store's name was reportedly inspired by Harry himself, who had dubbed the founders his "fairy godmothers" during the launch of his memoir, Spare, last year.
The Sussexes' relationship with Oprah, who famously interviewed them in a bombshell tell-all in 2021, appears to remain strong, despite rumors of a cooling relationship. The couple's presence at the bookstore launch, alongside Oprah, suggests that their bond with the media mogul remains intact.
In the years since stepping back from royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan have maintained a steady focus on their new lives in the U.S., pursuing various philanthropic and media endeavors. As Harry reaches his 40th birthday, it is clear that his priorities have shifted firmly toward his family and the projects he is passionate about, with no immediate plans to return to the fold of the British royal family.
