In a notable gesture, the royal family publicly wished Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday, with a separate message from Kate Middleton and Prince William, marking a key moment in the ongoing tension between the Duke of Sussex and the monarchy. Royal expert Rafe Heydel-Mankoo praised the family for “taking the higher ground” while adhering to established conventions.
On his birthday, the royal family chose a carefully cropped photo of Harry, notably excluding Meghan Markle, which Heydel-Mankoo pointed out was a subtle but telling move. “The photograph they posted had been cropped to excise Meghan,” he explained. “It’s something many hope will happen in real life too.”
Despite the public tensions that have brewed since Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties and their infamous Oprah Winfrey interview, the royal family continues to follow a tradition of acknowledging major milestone birthdays for non-working royals. Meghan herself received birthday greetings when she turned 40 in 2021, even after the rift had deepened.
Heydel-Mankoo praised the monarchy for not becoming too involved in the drama: “The royal family isn’t stooping to their level… They’re keeping a dignified distance.” He also mentioned the possibility of reconciliation, particularly with King Charles, saying, “The King is a deeply loving father and a Christian. He hopes for a prodigal son moment with Harry, but that idea seems distant when it comes to William.”
Reflecting on the stark contrast between Harry’s 40th and 30th birthdays, Heydel-Mankoo pointed out how much has changed over the years. “Ten years ago, William and Kate were organizing Harry’s 30th birthday party, surrounded by family and lifelong friends,” he noted. “Now, he’s celebrating privately with his family and some new friends.”
While the relationship between Prince William and Harry remains strained, Heydel-Mankoo hinted that time could heal old wounds: “In your 40s, maturity sets in, and the arguments of your 30s may start to seem less significant.” However, only time will tell if the royal brothers will eventually bridge the gap.
