Prince Harry Reveals the 'Best Gift' He’s Ever Received Ahead of 40th Birthday (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Joshua Sammer/Getty

AsPrince Harryapproaches his milestone 40th birthday on Sept. 15, he’s setting his sights on the future.

After years of self-reflection — chronicled in hisbest-selling memoirSpare— the Duke of Sussex is focused on enjoying life with wifeMeghan Markleand their children,Prince Archie, 5, andPrincess Lilibet, 3.

His work continues with his Archewell Foundation, the non-profit he co-founded with Meghan, and a series of entertainment projects through their Netflix deal, including anupcoming documentary airing in Decemberthat’s centered on one of his greatest passions — polo.

But above all, Prince Harry’s priority remains fatherhood. In reflecting on his birthday, Harry tells PEOPLE via his spokesperson: “The best gift I’ve ever been given is, without doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day and love being their dad.”

(From left) Prince Harry, Princess Lilibet, Prince Archie and Meghan Markle in a photo shared in the docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” released on Netflix in December 2022.Netflix/Youtube

Though the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are raising Archie and Lilibet out of the spotlight, they have given glimpses into their children’s personalities. During their trip to Colombia in August, Meghanconnected with a kindergartenerwhen she said the student was the “same age” as her son and voiced her pride on the Afro-Descendent Women and Power panel that Lili “found her voice.”

As Harry fights forincreased security for their family of four, the echoes of the 1997 death of his mother,Princess Diana, in a high-speed car chase weighs heavily, particularly now that he is a parent.

“Harry has beenreluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats,” a friend previously told PEOPLE. “He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm.”

The friend added, “As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit schoolchildren in Bogota, Colombia, on August 16, 2024.Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty

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Despiterecent speculation, a return to royal duties is not on the horizon for Harry as he steps into his forties. Withongoing tensionsbetween him, his fatherKing Charles, and brotherPrince William, Harry is happy with his life in Montecito, California, where he’s raising his young family with Meghan, 43, and continuing their shared work.

His schedule also includes anupcoming visit to New York Citylater this month on behalf of several projects close to his heart, including theorganization behind Princess Diana’s legacy award.

source: people.com