MILESTONE MOMENT: FAMILY MAN HARRY TURNS 40

As the Duke of Sussex celebrates his 40th birthday, we take a look at his evolution from playful prince to proud husband and father

- REBECCA RUSSELL

He was once the cheeky chap who could do no wrong. Beloved for his sense of humour and the mischievous twinkle in his eye, Harry was “The People’s Prince” who held a firm place in the nation’s hearts.

And, even though the last four years have added a very different chapter to his story, Harry is preparing to celebrate his landmark 40th birthday with his young family in sunny California. Indeed, it is his role as a father to Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, which has been the making of him, as a leading royal expert points out.

“There’s something about Harry that makes you think he was born to be a dad,” former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK! “Perhaps it’s his natural playfulness, of which we still get glimpses, or, rather more obviously, the fact that he told the world that he couldn’t wait to start a family of his own.”

Of all he had in life, it was fatherhood that Harry most craved. “I’ve longed for kids since I was very, very young,” he said back in 2012. “I’m waiting to find the right person and someone who’s willing to take on the job.”

He found that person in 2016 when he fell head over heels in love with Meghan Markle, and married her just two years later. Harry’s dream to become a father was realised when the couple’s son, Archie Harrison, arrived in 2019, and was later joined by a daughter, Lilibet Diana, in 2021. Just like any dad, there will be many important life lessons Harry can hope to teach his children as they immerse themselves in the idyllic Californian lifestyle.