Prince William offers Harry an olive branch by wishing brother a ‘very happy’ 40th birthday after ignoring him last year
PRINCE William has offered Harry an olive branch by wishing his brother a ‘very happy’ 40th birthday – after ignoring him last year.
Posting on Instagram, the William and Kate’s account said: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex.”
The official account shared a snap of California-based Harry smiling in a grey suit and white shirt.
The Royal Family’s account shared the same snap, saying: “Wishing the Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”
It is the first time the royal family has shared a public message for Harry since wishing him a happy birthday in 2021.
Last year the royals declined to publicly celebrate Harry’s 39th birthday.
Harry was heard admitting he hadn’t heard from his family when asked by a well-wisher at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany.
The royals’ silence came after Harry released his memoir Spare, which blasted his entire family – including William, Kate and Camilla.
This year prince is marking his 40th birthday with family and friends at his £11million mansion in California.
He will then jet off for a “weekend getaway” with a few close friends, The Sun revealed this week.
It is not yet known where Harry will go or who will join him on the trip.
But the group is unlikely to include his brother William – as he and Harry have not spoken for more than two years.
And Harry’s wife Meghan and children Archie and Lilibet will stay at home while he heads off with his mates.
The band of brothers could include Harry’s polo BFF, his “second dad” and a “party animal” pal.
Harry is reportedly asking former aides to help him plan a comeback from his US exile and spend more time in Britain.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, is said to be consulting people “from his old life” after growing frustrated with American PR experts.
Harry reportedly plans to spend more time in the UK in a bid to repair his relationship with King Charles.
The strategy could see a “rehabilitated” Harry stage a partial return to royal life.
But insiders said Harry and Meghan are not seeking a permanent return from California.
A source told the Mail: “Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates.
“He is clearly reaching out thinking, ‘I need to do something different because what I’m doing is clearly not working’.”
The source added: “In short, Prince Harry is rethinking the way he operates.”
Harry has reportedly sent WhatsApp messages to a number of old friends in the UK.
The prince’s former private secretary Edward Lane Fox has reportedly been tipped to plot a comeback.
But Lane Fox said: “It’s not something I’ve got a view on I’m afraid.”
Harry has reportedly decided not to update his memoir Spare for its paperback edition, which is due to come out on October 24.
He will not be doing any interviews to promote the paperback, it is understood.
Friends are said to believe Harry’s comeback could succeed if it staged with zero publicity or “fuss”.
It is feared that Harry’s relationship with his brother William is beyond repair.
But King Charles is reportedly open to spending more time with his son.
It comes after The Sun revealed William and Harry stood “virtually back to back” at their uncle’s memorial service.
Harry secretly dashed from his US home to the service for Lord Robert Fellowes, who was married to Princess Diana’s sister Jane.
But the Duke of Sussex and his brother did not exchange a word at Thursday’s memorial in the Norfolk village of Snettisham.
One mourner told The Sun: “They were only five yards from each other.”
William and Harry chatted to mourners as they mingled at their uncle’s memorial service.
At one point the princes were standing “virtually back to back” at the wake.
But both left separately without seemingly exchanging a word, onlookers said.
The Sun revealed Harry jetted in secret from the US after previously saying he could not attend due to security fears.