Today’s display of warmth will be seen as an olive branch from the King after the feud sparked by his Harry’s 2021 interview with US chat show queen Oprah Winfrey, experts say
After two years of birthday snubs, the Royal Family’s message to Prince Harry on his 40th suggest a thaw in their relationship.
Today’s display of warmth will be seen as an olive branch from the King over their feud sparked by his son’s 2021 interview with US chat show queen Oprah Winfrey.
He is keen to have a better relationship with Harry. Prince William, who barely speaks to his brother, and Kate also sent him a birthday message.
The Royal Family shared a snap of Harry smiling along with an emoji of a cake and said: “Wishing the Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday.” It is the first time they have shared a public message for Harry since his 2021 birthday.
Kate and William haven’t shared a public message for Harry since his 2021 birthday
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The Prince and Princess of Wales posted: “Wishing a Happy 40th birthday to the Duke of Sussex.”
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said: “Hopefully, a feeling of goodwill will be engendered by these unexpected public good wishes and will be taken forward.”
A royal insider added: “Much has been said over the fractured nature of the Duke’s relationship with his family and much of his own doing. He is open to reconciliation as is the King. The King’s health, his upcoming autumn tour to Australia and the next chapter of his reign are his main focus, but there is always room to improve relations with his son.
The Prince and Princess of Wales posted: “Wishing a Happy 40th birthday to the Duke of Sussex”
“Whether other family members follow suit is another matter.” But sources warned it could be a long road before relationships between Harry and Meghan and the royals are properly mended. Reports said Charles would call Harry to mark his 40th, but William was “unlikely” to, so that birthday message came as a surprise.
The brothers last saw each other at a memorial service for their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes a couple of weeks ago. But they never spoke.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (
Image:
WireImage)
King Charles III and Queen Camilla (
Image:
Getty Images)
Harry decided to have a quiet 40th with Meghan and children Archie and Lilibet at their California home.
He is then going camping with pals, including explorer Inge Solheim, 51, in the Colorado mountains. Speaking about his birthday, Harry said last week about his upcoming birthday: “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40. Becoming a father has given me a fresh perspective on life.”
Vanity Fair yesterday claimed Harry may hire an image consultant to boost his reputation in Britain.
The King is looking for a shepherd to look after his 2,000 sheep on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, but they must have their own dog.
