Prince Harry's birthday 'haunted' by Queen's death after 'refusing invite'

Prince Harry is celebrating his 40th birthday on September 15, a date that coincides with the anniversary of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II's death, which occurred on September 8, 2022. This timing has led royal experts to describe this birthday as particularly somber for Harry, as it evokes memories of loss, including the death of his mother, Princess Diana, just prior to his 13th birthday. The emotional weight of these anniversaries is compounded by the fact that Harry declined an invitation from the Queen to visit her shortly before her passing, a decision that may haunt him as he reflects on their relationship. Kinsey Schofield, a royal commentator, noted that Harry's birthday will likely prompt him to reconsider the choices he made in the years leading up to his grandmother's death, particularly regarding the tensions created by his and Meghan's actions. Eric Schiffer, another royal expert, emphasized that this day will bring back painful memories and may lead Harry to wish he had acted differently in his relationship with the Queen. Reports indicate that for this milestone birthday, Harry plans to escape his routine life in the U.S. and celebrate with friends instead of Meghan, who will stay home with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Sources suggest that he is organizing a lads-only holiday abroad, which reflects a desire to distance himself from the emotional weight of the day. Overall, the combination of personal loss and family dynamics makes this birthday a poignant occasion for Harry, as he navigates the complexities of his past and present relationships within the royal family.