For the first time in three years, the royal family publishes a (sober) message for Prince Harry’s 40th birthday

It’s been almost three years since the royal family celebrated Prince Harry’s birthday, having retired from his duties since his exile in California in 2021. This Sunday, September 15, the Duke of Sussex, who is celebrating his 40th birthday, was finally able to count on the support of the monarchy. “We wish the Duke of Sussex a very happy birthday,” wrote King Charles III to his son, through a post on the Crown’s official social networks. A sober and succinct message, relayed simply by Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton.

Although small, this gesture remains symbolic since it is the first hand extended for Prince Harry’s birthday since 2021. That year marks the tensions between Prince William’s brother and the British monarchy, following his interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which he denounced the racism of the British and the Crown towards his son Archie. In 2023, the discord had intensified with the publication of his memoirs entitled Spare (The Substitute), a damning autobiography in which he still settled his scores with his family. While Prince William and Harry were very close, the sons of Lady Diana and Charles III have not been seen together since September 2022 and the burial of Queen Elizabeth II. Does this birthday message mark the time for reconciliation?