By Alex Barton
London: Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, says his mission is to do good in the world, as he prepares to turn 40 on Sunday.
He added that although he was anxious about turning 30, he was looking forward to this birthday.
Harry told the BBC: “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40.”
In a statement to the broadcaster, the prince added: “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world”.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the Afro Women and Power Forum in California in August.Credit: Getty Images
The 39-year-old will celebrate with his family in California. It is understood he will then go on a holiday with a group of close friends.
Harry also spoke about the importance of his children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, ahead of the milestone.
“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,” he said in the statement.
“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.”
The past decade has been turbulent for the prince and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, with his familial relationships fraying as he stepped back from royal duties and moved to the US.
He has made no secret of his wish to reunite with his father, King Charles, despite conflicting narratives emerging from the two camps about efforts to make contact and who is rebuffing who.
When he turned 30 and returned from his second tour with the British army in Afghanistan, Harry founded the Invictus Games, a sporting competition for wounded Armed Forces veterans.
He is now said to be heavily focused on the next iteration of the games, which takes place in Vancouver and Whistler in February next year, as well as various US-based projects that have not yet been announced.
The Telegraph, London