LONDON. As Prince Harry celebrates his 40th birthday today, he finds himself far removed from the royal life he once knew, now living in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children. Known for his rebellious nature and distinctive path, Harry’s journey has been anything but traditional, and his midlife milestone offers a moment to reflect on the past while considering what lies ahead.
Born in 1984 to Princess Diana and King Charles III, Harry was always seen as the “spare,” the second son whose chances of inheriting the throne were slim. From his earliest public appearances, Harry set himself apart—famously sticking his tongue out at photographers while cradled in his mother’s arms outside a London hospital. As he grew older, he became known for his rebellious antics, such as wearing a Nazi uniform to a costume party, and for ultimately stepping away from royal duties to carve out a new life in the United States.
In recent years, Harry has focused heavily on reflecting on his past, most notably through his best-selling memoir Spare and a Netflix docu-series that brought his life—and his grievances—into the spotlight. However, royal experts like Sally Bedell Smith, author of Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life, suggest that Harry now stands at a crossroads. “He is at a sort of crossroads,’’ Smith told The Associated Press. “And he appears to be struggling with how he wants to proceed.”
The Royal Rift and Life in California
Six years ago, Harry and Meghan were celebrated as the new face of the British monarchy—a glamorous, multicultural couple expected to modernize the institution. Their 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle was a star-studded event attended by George Clooney, Serena Williams, and Elton John. The couple, known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, seemed poised to bring a breath of fresh air to the royal family.
However, by 2020, the pressures of royal life had taken their toll, and Harry and Meghan announced they would step back from royal duties and move to the United States to become “financially independent.” Settling in Montecito, California, the couple signed lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, building a life far removed from Buckingham Palace.
Harry’s memoir Spare delves deeply into his struggles with royal life, including the grief of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age, and his tense relationship with his older brother, Prince William. The book also revealed intimate details about his personal life, including drug use, losing his virginity, and his family’s internal conflicts. One of the most damning accusations was against his stepmother, Queen Camilla, whom he accused of leaking private information to the media in a bid to rehabilitate her public image.
“He criticized the royal family in such a powerful and damaging way. You can’t un-say those things,” Smith remarked. “And you can’t unsee things like Meghan in that Netflix series doing a mock curtsey. It’s such a demeaning gesture to the queen.”
A New Chapter?
As Harry turns 40, developmental psychologist Deborah Heiser suggests he might now be considering the next phase of his life. “He has had a very public display of what a lot of people have gone through,’’ Heiser said, noting that Harry’s experiences of family conflict and personal growth make him relatable to many. “Most people are not princes, but … they have all kinds of issues within their families. He’s not alone. That’s why he’s so relatable.’’
Despite his distance from the royal family, Harry retains ties to his military background, having served 10 years in the British Army, including two tours in Afghanistan. Before retiring as a captain, Harry earned his wings as a helicopter pilot, shedding the “party prince” image that once defined him.
In recent interviews, Harry has emphasized the importance of family, particularly his two children, Archie and Lilibet. “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,” he said in a statement.
Future Prospects
The possibility of reconciliation with the royal family remains uncertain. While Harry did return to the UK after King Charles III’s recent cancer diagnosis, the prince continues to navigate his strained relationships with family members. Notably, the upcoming paperback edition of Spare, due for release in October, contains no new material—potentially signaling a desire to avoid further conflict.
For now, as Harry reaches this midlife milestone, his focus seems to be on the future with his family in California, while the legacy of his royal past continues to shape his journey.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
