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As Prince Harry’s 40th birthday approaches, a former royal butler has suggested the Duke of Sussex is not feeling entirely happy. Paul Burrell, who once worked closely with the royal family, believes that Harry’s estrangement from his father, King Charles, his brother, Prince William, and other family members may be weighing on him during this milestone moment.
In an interview with Closer Magazine, Burrell revealed that Harry is likely to have a quiet birthday celebration with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. “Harry will be in exile for his 40th birthday,” Burrell shared. “It’ll probably be a low-key celebration inside the gates of their home with celebrity friends. I don’t think he’s happy.”
Burrell, who has often spoken publicly about his views on the royal family, expressed sadness over Harry’s current situation. “The saddest thing is that he could have had it all,” Burrell remarked. “But while the children are small, there’s no way things will change for Harry because he adores his wife and his family, and that is the path he’s on.”
Despite Harry’s love for his immediate family, Burrell speculated that the Duke might be feeling some emotional turmoil as he reflects on his life. “I am sure he’s homesick, and I’m sure his upcoming 40th birthday is making him reflect on the past and his previous life,” Burrell said. He even suggested that Harry may be wrestling with regret. “If Harry doesn’t have regrets, he doesn’t have a soul.”
Harry’s move to the U.S. with Meghan in 2020, followed by their public distancing from the royal family, has remained a topic of global discussion. According to Burrell, the Duke’s birthday could be a time of personal reflection on the decisions that led him away from royal life and closer to a more private existence with his family in California.
Though Harry’s celebration may be subdued compared to previous years, it’s clear that his journey continues to spark conversation and concern among those who once worked closely with him. Whether or not Harry is truly content, his 40th birthday will likely mark a moment of contemplation and perhaps even longing for the life he left behind.
