Prince Harry is set to mark his 40th birthday with a quiet party at his California home, after it was claimed he has been relegated to being Meghan Markle’s “plus one” at events

Prince Harry has been relegated to Meghan Markle’s “plus-one” as the royal turns 40, a royal insider claimed.

The prince spoke out about his excitement at turning 40 as he issued an 84-word statement this week where he praised his two children and explained how he is “committed to making this world a better place”.

He added how he was “anxious” when he turned 30 but is now “excited” to turn 40. He said: “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”

He carried on to describe how being a dad to his two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, was one of “life’s greatest joys”. But despite the continued positivity throughout the statement, he failed to mention Meghan.

The Duke of Sussex and his wife will be celebrating his 40th birthday on Sunday ( 
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)

The statement was issued after friends claimed he had now been reduced to being Meghan’s “plus-one” at events, it was claimed. It has already been revealed how the loving couple will be celebrating Harry’s landmark birthday at their home in Montecito, California.

In a quiet party, they will most likely have Meghan’s showbiz friends in attendance, with insiders insisting Harry’s friendship group across the pond is smaller than expected. Harry has become increasingly isolated, with his security guard, David ‘Langers’ Langdown, as one of his close pals, it was claimed.

One source told The Sun : “The guard is an English guy who moved to ­Montecito with his family. He and Harry are very close, very tight. As thick as thieves.”

It was reported this week that Prince Harry has no intention of returning to royal duties ( 
Image:
Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)
This week saw Harry arrive at the opening of Meghan’s pals’ bookshop. “The event summed up Harry’s life in a nutshell. He was there more of a plus one than an equal — someone ­useful for a social media picture,” the source continued.

Despite the lack of big plans in the diary for his birthday, Harry is expected to head out on his own weekend getaway in the mountains with some of his friends from England.

Earlier this week, America’s People magazine – the chosen publication of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – reported that despite recent speculation Harry has no plans to return to royal duties. They described him as being “happy with his life in Montecito, California” and concentrating on his charitable endeavours.

Following his birthday celebrations, the Duke will visit New York City later this month to promote several projects close to his heart, including the organization behind Princess Diana’s Legacy Award.