Prince Harry is gearing up for a significant celebration as his 40th birthday approaches. Plans are already set for how he’ll spend this milestone. The Duke of Sussex will be celebrating this special occasion with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

According to reports, the celebrations will also include a getaway with some of Harry’s closest friends, reflecting the personal and familial focus that has become central to his life in recent years.

This upcoming birthday marks a stark contrast to where Prince Harry’s life was a decade ago when he turned 30. At that time, Harry was still a working royal, single, and had not yet met Meghan.

His close bond with his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate, was also a key part of his life back then. As a senior royal, he was more involved in public duties, while his personal life had yet to reach the stage it’s at today—as a husband and father.

In the days leading up to his 30th birthday in 2014, Prince William and Kate had planned a small dinner party at Kensington Palace to celebrate with Harry’s close family and friends. The guest list included familiar faces such as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, along with Zara Tindall and other friends. However, plans for the party hit a snag when Kate, who was pregnant with Princess Charlotte, began to suffer from severe morning sickness.

Kensington Palace later confirmed that Kate was experiencing extreme discomfort due to her second pregnancy. Out of concern for his sister-in-law, Harry made the decision to cancel the event. Despite the importance of turning 30, Harry felt it was best to postpone the celebration given Kate’s condition. According to a source at the time, Harry had no hesitation in calling off the party as he recognized how involved Kate had been in organizing it and didn’t want to go ahead without her.

The party, however, did take place at a later date but was relocated to Clarence House instead of Kensington Palace. King Charles, then Prince of Wales, reportedly contributed to the occasion by sending champagne for the guests to enjoy. This change of plans highlights how family circumstances played a significant role in shaping how Harry celebrated that milestone birthday—a reminder of the close-knit ties he once shared with his family members.

Now, as he approaches his 40th birthday, reports indicate that Harry will enjoy a mix of family time and a fun trip with friends. Meghan will stay back in Montecito with their children, Archie and Lilibet, while Harry embarks on a getaway with some of his closest pals. Despite this lads’ trip, Harry will still carve out time to celebrate his birthday at home with his family, showing that family remains central to his life.

Ahead of his big day, Prince Harry has expressed the joy he finds in being a father. Reflecting on fatherhood, he shared how much he cherishes the gift of his children, calling them the best gift he’s ever received. As Harry prepares to celebrate his 40th, his remarks about watching Archie and Lilibet grow each day reflect a deep contentment with his current role as a dad, highlighting how much his life has changed since his 30th birthday.