Prince Harry has given a rare update on his children as he revealed his feelings about turning 40. The Duke of Sussex reaches the milestone birthday on Sunday, September 15, giving him the perfect chance to reflect on his life.
He and wife Meghan Markle are fiercely protective of their children's privacy and Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, are rarely seen by the public. But in a statement to the BBC, Harry described the pair as "kind and funny"
The Duke said: "Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work. Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place."
We previously told that Harry described Archie and Lilibet - named after his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II - as his 'greatest gifts'. Archie was born in 2019 in the UK while Harry and Meghan were still working royals while Lilibet entered the world in 2021 after the couple had relocated to the USA.
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Harry also insisted the prospect of turning 40 did not scare him - even if turning 30 did! He said: "I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40." He added: "Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world".
The BBC reports that the statement ends on a positive note with Harry saying: "Bring on the next decade". Harry will make the occasion at his Montecito mansion with Meghan, 43, Archie and Lilibet before heading off for a trip into the Californian wilderness with some close pals.
The past decade has been a turbulent one for the Prince, who is sadly estranged from his family. He and Meghan wed in 2018 but quit the royal family in 2020. They have since gone on to be heavily critical of the institution and members of Harry's family - including accusations of racism - while his memoir Spare was particularly scathing of Prince William and Queen Camilla.
Sources suggest both he and his father King Charles are keen to rebuild their relationship but neither side is willing to back down and admit wrongdoing. Charles, 75, has never met Lilibet in person and is desperate to get to know his grandchildren before he passes. Harry has only been in the UK sporadically over the past few years while Meghan has visited even less.
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