King Charles Likely Sent Harry a Private ‘Birthday Message’ After Happy London Reunion: Ex-Staffer
After wrapping a tiring four-day trip to the UK, Prince Harry returned to the US just in time to celebrate his 41st birthday on September 15. His visit to his homeland was hailed as a ‘success’ as it brought the long-awaited reunion with King Charles. Reflecting on the milestone, the King's former royal gardener, Jack Stooks, has argued that while Charles didn’t wish his son publicly, he may have sent Harry a private ‘birthday message,’ while juggling preparations for Donald and Melania Trump’s state visit.
Speaking to the Royal Insider, Stooks said, "Prince Harry has only just had a meeting with the King, so everything is still very fresh. I’m sure the King would have sent his son a private message for his birthday. As for William, we still don’t really know what’s happening there; that relationship still seems a little uncertain." The former gardener, however, hopes that the Duke will keep the details of their September 10 meeting private. He added, "Like I said, it’s early days, and I think everyone is holding their breath, hoping that whatever was discussed in that meeting remains private. If it does, that silence itself will be a very telling sign that the healing process has genuinely begun."
Indeed, the Duke of Sussex has kept his end of the bargain, a stark contrast from his past behavior of airing private family conflicts. Charles and Harry had met for private tea at Clarence House, where the Prince was seen arriving by car at 5:20 pm and leaving after 55 minutes. Shortly after the meetup, he gave a rare update on his father’s health during a special reception for the Invictus Games. When a reporter asked how the King was, he replied, "Yes, he’s great, thank you." His interview with The Guardian on September 14 also saw him holding himself from ill-mouthing his family, speaking highly of his father instead. He said of the coming year, "The focus really has to be on my Dad...This week has definitely brought that closer."
As for why Charles refrained from wishing Harry on social media, he is said to be extremely busy preparing for Trump’s state visit. Harper’s Bazaar reported that the royal family’s social media posts lately have been about the upcoming visit, with most photos and reels explaining the process behind organizing such an elaborate affair. In the process, Harry didn't get a public shoutout. Last year, the King, Prince William, and Kate Middleton all wished Harry on social media, as it was his milestone 40th birthday.
Harry might not have taken the royal family’s snub to his heart, as he received a sweet birthday wish from Meghan Markle. The Duchess of Sussex shared a throwback photo on Instagram from Harry’s 31st birthday with the cheeky caption, "On Hi, Birthday Boy." The photo honored his veteran status, showing him in military uniform staring into the camera. The Duke is said to have spent his special day privately with Markle, their two children, and his friends.